Academic Articles
A Statewide Examiniation of Mental Health Courts in Illinois: Program Characteristics and Operations
Authors:
Arthur J. Lurigio,
Loyola University Chicago, US
About Arthur
Professor
Senior Associate Dean
Department of Psychology
Department for Criminal Justice and Criminology
College of Arts and Sciences
Monte D. Staton ,
Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana, US
About Monte
Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology
Assistant Professor
Shanti J. Raman,
Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities
Chicago, IL, US
About Shanti
Center for Health and Justice
Director of Grant Development
Lorena Roque
Loyola University Chicago, US
About Lorena
Center for the Advancement of Research, Training, and Education
Research Associate
Abstract
This study represents the only broad-based, statewide evaluation of mental health courts (MHCs) conducted to date. Data were collected from 2010 to 2013 at each of the nine active MHC programs operating in Illinois at the start of the study. The purpose of the study was to compare and contrast the adjudicatory and supervisory models of each established Illinois MHC program by utilizing a variety of research methodologies. A four-year recidivism analysis of case-level data from three Illinois MHCs was also conducted. Illinois MHCs were largely characterized by the '10 essential elements of an MHC', such as voluntary participation, informed choice and hybrid team approaches to case manage clients. Results of the recidivism analysis suggest that MHCs compare favorably to other types of probation. Overall, findings revealed that Illinois MHCs are delivering services effectively and efficiently in a well-coordinated, client-centered team approach. Differences found among the MHCs are not evidence of significant variance from the model, and instead represent responsiveness to the unique culture of the court, the niche-filling character of the program, the expectations of the program stakeholders and the nature and extent of the local service environment.
How to Cite:
Lurigio, A.J., Staton, M.D., Raman, S.J. and Roque, L., 2015. A Statewide Examiniation of Mental Health Courts in Illinois: Program Characteristics and Operations. International Journal for Court Administration, 7(1), pp.51–58. DOI: http://doi.org/10.18352/ijca.182
Published on
15 Jul 2015.
Peer Reviewed
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