High-support hostel care for mentally disordered offenders: a description of a service

ABSTRACT

There is limited literature describing innovative models for forensic care. This paper describes the patient group, the model of care, and outcomes for residents in a 24-h supported hostel for mentally disordered offenders leaving secure setting over 13 years. In this period, of 160 referrals received, the service accepted 81 individuals. Over half moved to less supported placements following their tenure. This type of provision moves individuals to less supported settings and may contribute to a reduction in costly hospital stays for forensic patients with complex needs and histories of harming others.

KEYWORDS:

• Forensic rehabilitation
• mentally disordered offenders
• outcomes

Acknowledgments

Dr Brian McKenzie contributed a psychological perspective to the description of this service.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.