In every forensic treatment setting, the forensic psychology professional must be aware of the role that suicide prevention plays in the larger system inside and outside forensic institutions. Both incarcerated offenders and individuals awaiting sentencing pose potential suicide risks. In addition, offenders on probation or parole may exhibit an increased risk of self-harm. Often, suicide risk is increased in the forensic setting because of factors ranging from shame and guilt to mental illness or fear. Suicide prevention is one of the most critical functions that a forensic treatment practitioner has in any forensic treatment setting.

Even though staff members in jails and prisons work hard at reducing suicides, people still choose to end their lives when they are in forensic treatment settings. Although some of these individuals suffer from pre-existing mental health conditions, many do not. Forensic treatment practitioners should be leaders and advocates for suicide prevention efforts in their forensic settings. In addition to basic policy knowledge, the savvy forensic psychology professional needs to be aware of local, state, and national efforts to reduce the instances of attempted and completed suicides in forensic treatment settings.

To prepare for this Discussion:

· Think about the components of suicide prevention and intervention approaches and programs. Consider the efficacy of these approaches and programs. Reflect on which of these components are important in forensic treatment settings.

· Select two components of suicide prevention and intervention approaches and programs that you think are important in forensic treatment settings, and consider why.

With these thoughts in mind:

By Day 3

Post a brief description of two components of suicide prevention and intervention approaches and programs that you think are important in forensic treatment settings, and explain why you think they are important.

Choi, N. G., DiNitto, D. M., & Marti, C. N. (2019). Suicide decedents in correctional settings: Mental health treatment for suicidal ideation, plans, and/or attempts. Journal of Correctional Health Care, 25(1), 70-83.

Gottfried, E. D., & Christopher, S. C. (2017). Mental disorders among criminal offenders: a review of the literature. Journal of Correctional Health Care, 23(3), 336-346.

Johnson, M. E. (2017). Childhood trauma and risk for suicidal distress in justice-involved children. Children and Youth Services Review, 83, 80-84.

Lamberti, J. S. (2016). Preventing criminal recidivism through mental health and criminal justice collaboration. Psychiatric Services, 67(11), 1206-1212.

Mulay, A. L., Vayshenker, B., West, M. L., & Kelly, E. (2016). Crisis intervention training and implicit stigma toward mental illness: Reducing bias among criminal justice personnel. International Journal of Forensic Mental Health, 15(4), 369-381.

Vandevelde, S., Vander Laenen, F., Van Damme, L., Vanderplasschen, W., Audenaert, K., Broekaert, E., & Vander Beken, T. (2017). Dilemmas in applying strengths-based approaches in working with offenders with mental illness: A critical multidisciplinary review. Aggression and violent behavior, 32, 71-79.

The treatment of forensic populations, as with any clinical population, must be tailored to the individuals as well as to their mental illness. There are specific treatment protocols for particular mental illnesses. These treatment protocols need to be paired with individuals based on the unique traits of the individuals and augmented with particular treatment approaches. Forensic treatment practitioners are required to treat a wide variety of mental illnesses ranging from serious personality disorders and psychotic conditions to suicidal and parasuicidal behaviors. In order to treat mentally ill offenders effectively, the forensic treatment practitioner needs to have a thorough understanding of basic mental health disorders and treatments as well as a solid working knowledge of the forensic setting and system.

Additionally, treatment professionals must be well versed in the process of psychotherapy and other treatment approaches for the mentally ill. Many traditional counseling and therapy theories and approaches used with clinical clients are also appropriate for mentally ill offenders (e.g., empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness). However, forensic settings are not conventional treatment settings and may require special considerations. Hence, there are many challenges forensic treatment practitioners face in the treatment of mentally ill offenders.

To prepare for this Assignment:

· Reflect on the type of clients with whom you might work with in the criminal justice system. Consider how their experience with mental illness may influence their experience with the criminal justice system.

· Conduct research in the Walden library on treatment approaches to mental illness in the types of clients with whom you might work.

· Select two challenges related to the treatment of mentally ill offenders in a forensic setting. Think about the steps you would take to overcome these challenges. Finally, consider what treatment approach(es) best addresses these challenges.

The Assignment (3–4 pages):

· Briefly, describe how mental illness may affect the types of clients with whom you might work. Identify the area of criminal justice and type of setting (e.g., prison, jail, community probation, etc.) where might work, including the type of services you might provide in that setting.

· Explain a treatment approach you believe would effectively address the mental health concerns with this client population and why you chose this approach. Be specific. Provide evidence to research to support your recommended approach.

· Explain at least two challenges related to the treatment of mentally ill offenders in a forensic setting.

· Then, explain the steps you would take to overcome these challenges.

· Explain any ethical or legal considerations you would need to consider when providing mental health treatment in a criminal justice setting.

· Explain any cultural or diversity related considerations you may to consider with providing mental health treatment in a criminal justice setting.