130 likes | 255 Views
Requirements for forensic psychiatric treatment. If the crime is the consequence of a major mental disorder, a prison sentence is forbidden. If the person still suffers from a major mental disorder at the time of trial, the sentence will be forensic psychiatric treatment. New law July 2008.
E N D
Requirements for forensic psychiatric treatment. • If the crime is the consequence of a major mental disorder, a prison sentence is forbidden. • If the person still suffers from a major mental disorder at the time of trial, the sentence will be forensic psychiatric treatment.
New law July 2008 • Should the normal sanction be a prison sentence of four years or more, a prison sentence is possible even if the disorder is absent at the time of trial.
Two legal frameworks. • There are two kinds of forensic psychiatric treatment, with or without special discharge trial. • 1. The court decides when a patient can be discharged. • 2. The psychiatrist can discharge the patient himself.
Continous surveillance by the court. • Every sixth month, the psychiatrist must apply at the county administrative court for a continuation of the treatment.
Treatment goals. • Better health and quality of life. • Help the patient to understand and control his disease. • Reduce the risk of relapse into crime.
Statistics • 14 000 yearly prison sentences • 350 sentences to forensic psychiatric treatment. • Prison population 5000. • 1750 pre-trial detainees • 1450 receive forensic psychiatric treatment.
Treatment facilities • Forensic psychiatric treatment can be given at any hospital where the necessary level of security can be guaranteed. • The chief psychiatrist of the area where the patient lives decides where the treatment shall take place.
Sundsvall Forensic Psychiatric Hospital. • 101 beds. • 50 patients on leave. • Treatment cost per day 475 €
Staff • 6 Psychiatrists • 5 Psychologists • 1 Drug therapist • 9 Administrative staff • 1 Security officer
Staff cont. • 50 Nurses • 110 Assistant nurses. • 7 Teachers • 3 Researchers • Staff-patient ratio: 202/101 = 2,00
Most pressing issue. • Compulsory treatment outside the hospital is possible: • If hospital treatment is no longer necessary. • If the patient is still in need of support. • If a rehabilitation plan is made up together with the social psychiatry in the patients hometown.
Most controversial issue • Many influent politicians argue, that a sentence to forensic psychiatric treatment shall no longer be possible. • Regardless of psychiatric status, the convict shall go to prison for a fixed time. • There may be an exception for the most extremely psychotic cases.