Kelli E. Canada

“’Cause Everybody Likes to Be Treated Good”: Perceptions of Procedural Justice Among Mental Health Court Participants

There is mounting evidence that mental health courts (MHCs) reduce criminal recidivism and increase use of mental health services. Although not yet empirically tested, procedural justice has been proposed as one potential mechanism that promotes change and improves outcomes for MHC participants. In this article, we investigate MHC participants’ perceptions of procedural justice in interactions with MHC staff as well as the role of procedural justice in participants’ MHC program experiences. Participants from two MHC programs were invited to complete quantitative measures and a semistructured interview about their MHC experiences and perceptions of procedural justice. Univariate and bivariate analyses and qualitative analysis were used to examine the data. Findings indicate that MHC participants perceive a moderate level of procedural justice in interactions with MHC team members. However, perceptions of procedural justice are complex, involve multiple actions and inaction, and are affected by all members of the MHC team, not just the judge. Although scores on quantitative measures of procedural justice do not differ by court, participant perceptions discussed in semistructured interviews do vary. Implications for practice, policy, and research are discussed.

Therapist responsiveness and patient engagement in therapy

Abstract This study tests the hypothesis that therapist responsiveness in the first two sessions of therapy relates to three measures of early patient engagement in treatment. Using videotapes and data from the NIMH Treatment of Depression Collaborative Research Program (TDCRP), an instrument was developed to measure therapist responsiveness in the first two sessions of Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy. A factor measuring positive therapeutic atmosphere, as well as a global item of therapist responsiveness, predicted both the patients positive perception of the therapeutic relationship after the second session and the patients remaining in therapy for more than four sessions. A negative therapist behavior factor also predicted early termination. Factors measuring therapist attentiveness and early empathic responding did not predict the engagement variables.

Procedural justice in mental health court: an investigation of the relation of perception of procedural justice to non-adherence and termination

Mental health courts (MHCs) operate on the principles of procedural justice (PJ). PJ highlights the importance of process over outcomes in encounters with authority. Subjective perceptions of having voice, being heard by decision-makers, and being treated with respect and concern by figures of authority are influential in assessment of fairness and in cooperation with decisions, regardless of favorability of the outcome. In this paper, we investigate MHC participant perception of PJ in interactions with MHC staff and the association between perceptions and recidivism (i.e. time in jail, new arrests, and probation violations), treatment adherence, and MHC termination. Participants from two MHC programs (n = 80) took part in this study. Results suggest that perception of PJ during interactions with the entire MHC team is significantly associated with program termination, but not with participant behaviors during MHC. Implications for MHC practitioners and researchers are discussed.

Specialized probation programs for people with mental illnesses: a review of practices and research

Changes in the availability and delivery of mental health care services have contributed to the disproportionate involvement of people with serious mental illnesses (PSMI) in the criminal justice system. Community corrections professionals have sought to address the issue by creating dedicated caseloads and programs for PSMI on probation. Specialized probation units (SPUs) for PSMI, commonly referred to as ‘mental health probation,’ have been implemented since the late 1980s. This article examines the operations and outcomes of specialized probation supervision for PSMI. To date, studies of SPUs for PSMI have generated little definitive evidence about the nature, implementation protocols, or effectiveness of such interventions. Although initial research on the effects of SPUs for PSMI appears to be favorable, most of the studies reported in the literature are sorely limited in terms of sample sizes, research designs, and outcome measures.

What Factors Work in Mental Health Court?: A Consumer Perspective

Mental health court (MHC) participation is associated with reduced recidivism and increased access to services but there is little empirical support for the factors that impact outcomes. Previous research supports the importance of social support in recovery and reducing criminal recidivism for populations similar to the population served by MHCs. This research project used mixed-methodology to explore MHC participant perceptions (n = 26) of factors important in recovery and estimated the associations between social support and outcomes (n = 80). Although social support was not associated with outcomes quantitatively, social support emerged as a salient theme in the qualitative analysis. Participants reported support, structure, accountability, treatment, and instilling motivation as key factors in recovery and recidivism.

Intra-group stigma: Examining peer relationships among women in recovery for addictions

Abstract This grounded theory study explores how women with histories of addiction perceive stigma while in treatment. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 women participating in a residential drug treatment centre. Previous research has found that support from peers during recovery can be critical to managing illnesses. In fact, researchers have postulated that peers can be a more effective form of support than even family. This study extends existing literature indicating that peer support systems can be supportive, however they can also can be perceived as negative support that impose stigmas. Findings reveal that women perceive stigmas due to how various types of drug use violate societal expectations and conflict with notions of deservingness. Specifically, the “hard users” (i.e. women who use heroin or crack cocaine) perceive stigmas regarding how their drug use violates norms of womanhood. Moreover, the “soft users” (i.e. those who use alcohol or marijuana) perceive stigmas that their drug use is considered undeserving of support. This article explores the factors that contribute to stigma amongst populations who potentially face marginalisation from larger society. Implications for treatment and group work are discussed.

The Client–Caseworker Relationship and Its Association with Outcomes Among Mental Health Court Participants

A portion of people with mental illnesses who are arrested are diverted to mental health courts (MHC) where they work with teams of treatment and court staff rather than serving time in custody. This study investigated the association between the relationship with caseworkers and outcomes. MHC participants were recruited to participate in structured interviews on their perceptions of the bond and conflict with their MHC caseworkers. Regression models tested associations between relationships with caseworkers and program retention, service use, and number of days spent in jail. Perceived conflict with caseworkers was higher among participants who were terminated or missing from the MHC. Participants who perceived less conflict with caseworkers utilized more services and spent fewer days in jail. The perceived bond was significantly associated with service use. Caseworkers with clients who are in the criminal justice system should be mindful as conflict arises and implement strategies to effectively manage conflict.

New Directions for the Study of Incarcerated Older Adults: Using Social Capital Theory

As the population of older adults continues to rise, so, too, does the population of older adults in prison. The body of literature on older adults in corrections is scant, particularly with regard to health and social functioning. Past studies of aging inmates primarily focus on health care and related costs. The purpose of this article is twofold: (a) outline and synthesize the research on older adults living in prison; and (b) propose a framework for future research and intervention development based on social capital theory. Recommendations for social work practice, programs, and research are discussed.

Mental Illness Along the Criminal Justice Continuum

Persons with mental illnesses are overrepresented along the criminal justice continuum (police, courts, parole and probation, incarceration, and reentry), which expose individuals to risk but can also serve at points of intervention. Two predominant explanations for this overrepresentation and the evidence surrounding interventions are examined. The most common interventions at each point on the continuum and their research evidence are examined, providing an overview of promising interventions, highlighting the need for more robust research or program development, and laying the groundwork for future systematic reviews at each point on the continuum. In general, interventions have not reduced the prevalence of persons with mental illnesses involved in the criminal justice system. Future interventions should address the individual, environmental, and structural factors exposing individuals to continued contact with the criminal justice system, requiring an interdisciplinary effort across the criminal justice and mental health workforce to address this complex problem.

Facilitating social work role plays in online courses: The use of video conferencing

Role plays have served an instrumental role in social work education by providing opportunities for students to acquire interaction skills. This project tested various online video conferencing tools to facilitate role plays for students who live in different locations and who are unable to be at the same place at the same time. Key features of the technology included the ability to facilitate real-time interaction, compatibility with laptops and Wi-Fi connections, and the ability to record sessions for later viewing and feedback. Method: Case study design. Results: Students were able to use the videoconferencing software with minimal support. Video quality was not always ideal with contributing factors being the time of day students used the software. There were no distinguishable time and effort demands associated with the online video conferencing compared to classroom role plays. Some students found use of the technology caused them to feel disconnected from their peers compared to face-to-face encounters, while other students found the encounter more intimate in that the pressure to perform in front of others was not felt. Implications: Video conferencing is a promising tool to facilitate social work role plays. Future research needs to assess the acquisition of specific skills compared to traditional classroom students.