Adults with Serious Mental Illnesses Who Are Arrested and Incarcerated

Effectiveness of Forensic Assertive Community Treatment on Forensic and Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Upon release into the community from forensic and correctional settings, individuals with a severe mental illness (SMI) are at risk of recidivism, including rearrest and reincarceration, as well as at risk of premature mortality and rehospitalization (Angell et al, 2014; Baillargeon et al, 2009; Charette et al, 2015; Fox et al, 2014; Frank et al, 2013; Gagliardi et al, 2004; Skeem et al, 2009) with an increased likelihood when there is a lack of adequate connections to mental health services following release (Osher & Thompson, 2020).…”

“…Although evidence for ACT is well-documented (Burns, 2010; Dixon, 2000; Mueser et al, 1998; Nelson et al, 2007; Phillips et al, 2001), FACT remains relatively underutilized/understudied partly due to its nascency, intervention heterogeneity (Landess & Holoyda, 2017; Marquant et al, 2016; Morrissey, 2013), and the smaller number of teams. FACT effectiveness has been limited by methodological issues (e.g., nonrandomization, limited follow-ups, variability in program structure, different program eligibility criteria; Cuddeback et al, 2009; Lamberti & Weisman, 2010; Morrissey et al, 2007; Osher & Thompson, 2020). Consequently, results from these programs have been variable, with some authors reporting significant reductions in negative outcomes (Cimino & Jennings, 2002; McCoy et al, 2004; Weisman et al, 2004; Wilson et al, 1995) and others failing to observe such significant outcomes or observing the opposite (Cosden et al, 2005; Cusack et al, 2010; Solomon & Draine, 1995).…”