Date of Graduation

Spring 2014

Degree

Master of Science in Psychology

Department

Psychology

Committee Chair

William Deal

Abstract

Despite a growing body of literature depicting the benefits of mental health courts (MHCs) regarding reducing recidivism, relatively little is known about what factors contribute to successful completion of the programs. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between prognostic risk versus criminogenic need and continued involvement in the Greene County Mental Health Court (GCMHC). Previous research has suggested that the Drug Court Model, which targets treatment to participants based on those variables, has produced more positive and efficient outcomes for court participants. In order to examine the construct, archival data was used measuring participant's scores on the Multnomah Community Ability Scale (MCAS) and online arrest records. It was expected that those scoring higher on the MCAS indicating lower levels of overall functioning (criminogenic need factors) would be more likely to still be involved in GCMHC at six months, and those with higher numbers of arrests (prognostic risk factors) would be less likely to be involved. Results from this study actually suggest that those lower in functioning are less likely to still be involved in GCMHC at six months.

Keywords

mental health court, jail diversion programs, factors in mental health court outcomes, prognostic risk, criminogenic need, severe mental illness, Multnomah Community Ability Scale

Subject Categories

Psychology

Copyright

© Tanya Ann Johnson-Rae

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