Needs assessment of forensic mental health programs and services for mentally disordered offenders in Saskatchewan, Canada

2^nd International Conference on Forensic Research and Technology

October 07-09, 2013 Hampton Inn Tropicana, Las Vegas, NV, USA

Arlene Kent-Wilkinson

Posters: J Forensic Res

Abstract :

The needs of offenders with compromised mental health in Saskatchewan, and factors that affect criminal behavior are increasingly vast. Institutions and communities providing mental health services and programs face insurmountable challenges due to a changing, aging, and increasingly more complex offender population. To identify and understand these needs, a province-wide study was conducted in 2010-2012 entitled: Needs assessment of forensic mental health programs and services for mentally disordered offenders (MDOs) in Saskatchewan. The method was triangulated to include a literature review of government documents and published research, together with the analysis from the three phases of the study formed the basis of the findings and recommendations of this report. This poster session will highlight the methodology and findings of this province-wide study.

Biography :

Arlene Kent-Wilkinson, RN, CPMHN(C), BSN, MN, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor, College of Nursing, at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatchewan. Arlene is a nurse educator who has launched and taught many Forensic nursing courses and programs, and online graduate and undergraduate courses on Aboriginal health. She has been recognized nationally and internationally for her pioneering work in Forensic nursing education. Arlene is a member of the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Sciences and Justice Studies at the University of Saskatchewan, and PI, of a province-wide needs assessment of the programs and services for mentally disordered offenders in Saskatchewan.