Although bestiality has occurred since prehistoric times, it remains a poorly understood aspect of human sexuality. Prevalence studies in the mid-20th century suggested that bestiality was a relatively common phenomenon. Since that time, researchers have studied bestiality among specific populations, including self-identified "zoophiles" and inmates who report a history of bestiality. Findings from inmate research suggest that bestiality may represent a risk factor for future interpersonal violence. This study presents a case series of bestiality among sexual offenders committed under forensic commitment schemes. The case series demonstrates the range of animal partners, sexual acts, and comorbid paraphilic and nonparaphilic diagnoses in individuals who report a history of bestiality. In addition, it helps clarify potential motivations for sex with animals and how such motivations may influence the forensic psychiatric assessment of offenders who have sex with animals.

Problem-solving courts (PSCs) developed as a means of mandating treatment and judicial supervision of certain types of court participants. PSCs have rapidly expanded in number and type over several decades. Mental health courts (MHCs) are a type of PSC that arose in response to the growing number of persons with mental illness within the criminal justice system. Their primary role is to divert individuals with mental illness from incarceration into psychiatric treatment and to reduce recidivism while improving psychosocial functioning of participants. Although different in history, philosophy, and program structure, forensic assertive community treatment (FACT) programs serve a similar goal of reducing recidivism and improving functioning in persons with mental illness who are involved with the criminal justice system. FACTs may be used as a standalone diversion option or be linked with a MHC as a form of intensive treatment and monitoring. Suggestions for future research and evaluation of these programs are offered.