Using Violence Risk Assessments for Court

In the NJ state hospital system, we have a method of assessing and reviewing violence risk in order to help prepare for patients’ court hearings. It begins with risk assessments created by psychologists and psychiatrists which are then reported to each hospital’s in-house Special Status Patient Review Committee (SSPRC). This committee reviews the treatment teams’ proposed requests for increased privileges, transfer to a less restrictive setting and discharge which is based on the findings in the risk assessments. The decision of the SSPRC then goes to the centralized Clinical Assessment and Review Panel (CARP) for further review and final decision. The psychiatrist then testifies in court as to the decisions about the patient’s approved treatment and discharge trajectory. This system of checks and balances is designed to support the patients’ journey to recovery and wellness. A standardized method for review and use of violence risk assessments will be discussed to inform and improve requests made to SPPRC and CARP and to inform and improve court testimony.


OBJECTIVES:
1. Describe of evidence-based practices for violence risk assessments.
2. Discuss utilization of violence risk assessments for court reports and testimony
3. Describe integration of violence risk assessments for appropriate treatment planning.

Presenters: Michele Galietta, PhD and Richard Jackson, MD