Persons with severe mental disorders in the criminal justice system: Challenges and opportunities

Persons with schizophrenia and other severe mental disorders are at risk for falling through the cracks between the criminal justice and mental health systems. This article is based on a panel discussion between representatives from both systems that recently convened at a regional conference to discuss integration of services. The purpose of the panel discussion was to identify challenges and opportunities related to integrating mental health and criminal justice services at each phase of the criminal justice process. A synopsis of the discussion is presented, along with new models of service delivery designed to prevent the inappropriate arrest and incarceration of persons with severe mental disorders.