Rehabilitation of the mentally disordered offender

Abstract

This article considers a number of areas significant to the rehabilitation of mentally disordered offenders. The growth of forensic rehabilitation services has outstripped research in this area, hence it is acknowledged that clinicians are currently working with limited guidance. However, literature from this, and related fields, is reviewed, to outline the processes and practices of rehabilitation of mentally disordered offenders. The model of care used in the Canterbury Forensic Psychiatric Service is described with reference to the need for interventions to be carried out within a therapeutic culture (Lindqvist & Skipworth, 2000).The role of a psychologist in assessment, intervention, training, research and organisational issues is discussed. There is acknowledgement of the ethical dilemmas faced by clinicians working in rehabilitation, with patients who present a risk to others.