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Community Mental Health Journal
Published in: Community Mental Health Journal 7/2019

01-10-2019 | Original PAper

The Effectiveness of Mental Health Courts in Reducing Recidivism and Police Contact: A Systematic Review

Authors: Desmond Loong, Sarah Bonato, Jan Barnsley, Carolyn S. Dewa

Published in: Community Mental Health Journal | Issue 7/2019

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Abstract

Mental health courts were created to help criminal defendants who have a mental illness that significantly contributes to their criminal offense. The purpose of this systematic literature review is to assess the current evidence to address the question, “How effective are mental health courts in reducing recidivism and police contact?” Systematic literature searches of eight electronic databases were performed. A total of 2590 unique citations were identified. Of these, 20 studies were included in the final analysis. The results of this systematic review suggest there is some evidence to show that mental health courts help to reduce recidivism rates, but the effect on police contact is less clear. Results also suggest case managers or access to vocational and housing services may be important components of effective mental health courts.
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Metadata
Title
The Effectiveness of Mental Health Courts in Reducing Recidivism and Police Contact: A Systematic Review
Authors
Desmond Loong
Sarah Bonato
Jan Barnsley
Carolyn S. Dewa
Publication date
01-10-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Community Mental Health Journal / Issue 7/2019
Print ISSN: 0010-3853
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2789
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-019-00421-9

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