title: Risk of future offense among probationers with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.
abstract: The criminal justice system is the primary service delivery system for many adults with drug and alcohol dependence, mental health, and other health service needs. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between risk of future offense, mental health status and co-occurring disorders in a large substance abuse diversion probationer population. A purposive sample of 2,077 probationers completed an assessment to screen for mental health disorders, substance use disorders, risk of future crime and violence, and several demographic characteristics. Probationers who screened positive for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders were significantly more likely to be at higher risk of future crime and violence compared to probationers who screened positive for only substance use, only a mental health disorder, or no substance use or mental health disorder. Implications for substance use and mental health service delivery are discussed, and recommendations are made for further research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Primary Care Research Center, Texas Prevention Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Balyakina
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mann
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ellison
authors.forename: Ron
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sivernell
authors.forename: Kimberly G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Fulda
authors.forename: Simrat Kaur
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Sarai
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cardarelli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003415:Crime / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data