ABSTRACT
The aim of this chapter is to provide an outline account of the main methods for dealing with mentally disturbed offenders. To achieve this I have divided it into three sections. The first is devoted to a short historical background against which current management practices may be viewed, and provides some information on the numbers involved. The second consists of an account of the methods by which the mentally disturbed and disordered may be diverted from the criminal justice system - a practice becoming increasingly important. The third outlines the main health care and penal disposals available to the courts including short descriptions of the available facilities.
