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NU7413 Interface between Mental Health and Criminal Justice (10 ECTS)

Learning Outcomes

Following completion of this module the student should be able to:

  • Appraise the development of the National Forensic Mental Health Service and discuss in the context of legislation, social policy, national and local guidelines, international developments, and EU directives.
  • Critically examine the Mental Health Act (2001) and the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act (2006) & (2010 Amendments) and how they may influence the National Forensic Mental Health Service.
  • Critically appraise the various treatment interventions for example, behavioural and cognitive psychotherapies for mentally disordered offenders
  • Critically examine the concept of ‘Therapy versus Security’ and the impact this may have on service structure and evaluate the therapeutic uses of security.
  • Critically examine some of the practical ethical dilemmas, which may be encountered within forensic mental health practice.
  • Examine the ever-changing demographic and epidemiological profile of the forensic population and discuss the implications for both the management and the delivery of the appropriate services.
  • Appraise the prison population with mental health needs and discuss the implications for both the management and the delivery of the appropriate services.
  • Explore and discuss the relationship between psychopathology and criminal behaviour.
  • Critically evaluate the tools for risk assessment, identify common risk factors in the life cycle.
  • Appraise the instruments available to predict future violent and aggressive behaviours.
  • Utilise solution/evidence-based interventions for offending behaviours and evaluate these against rates of post intervention recidivism.
  • Critically analyse the origins of past and current societal attitudes to mentally disordered offender

Module Learning Aims & Rationale

This module was developed in response to the extensive and rapid changes presented to various professionals who work with mentally disordered offenders. It will give students the opportunity to strengthen and improve their understanding of the core skills and competencies and the underpinning theoretical knowledge base from which they practice. The skills of reflection, critical thinking and analysis will be used.

The aims of the module are: To provide professionals from a range of settings such as mental health, justice, voluntary sector and primary care including educators, general practitioners, counsellors with the core knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to become competent in providing the appropriate services and support to those within the various forensic mental health settings. To support and encourage students in evaluating literature, systematically collecting, critically analysing and interpreting data to inform and enhance their practice.