Challenges to Developing Forensic Assertive Community Treatment

摘要

Limited information currently exists about forensic assertive community treatment (FACT) and how it serves persons with mental illness involved with the criminal justice system. This study screened 28 forensic mental health programs to identify 12 FACT teams for site visits about their consumers, their interface with the criminal justice system, and implementation and sustainability challenges. Site visit findings were reviewed by an expert panel knowledgeable about the interface between assertive community treatment and the criminal justice system. Little consensus exists about a program model for FACT and several issues require more research to guide its further dissemination. FACT represents an opportunistic adaptation to growing numbers of justice-involved persons with mental illness but practice has outpaced the evidence base.