History of Forensic Mental Health Service Use Among Homeless Adults with Mental Illness

Abstract

Forensic service use was examined using self-report interview data from a prospective study of homeless persons with mental illness (N = 435) and administrative file review data from a Canadian forensic system. Of the study's participants, 41% had contact with forensic services, 40% had contact with community clinics, and 20% had been admitted to the forensic hospital. Forensic involvement was associated with age, gender, disorder, impulse control and social network. Most participants with forensic contacts received services for minor, mostly poverty-related offenses. Findings highlight the need for early intervention for individuals with severe mental illness as one mechanism for preventing crime.