Care and Custody?

In recent years there has been growing concern and controversy surrounding the care and treatment of mentally disordered offenders. Consequently, there have been a series of legislative and policy developments in the 1990s, which have led to changes in attitude and the way that such offender-patients are treated. Such changes have focused primarily upon timely therapeutic intervention and diversion from the criminal justice system.;This book considers these issues. It identifies some of the practical difficulties that occur when mentally disordered offenders come into contact with the criminal justice system. The law in this area is complex and this book should enable professionals involved in the subject to gain a better understanding of the law and policy with regard to mentally disordered offenders.;Judith Laing also analyzes and addresses some of the theoretical issues and concerns surrounding the treatment and detention of mentally disordered offenders. The book should therefore assist and inform legal, mental health, and related practitioners working in this field, and should also provide a theoretical overview of the law for academics and students.