ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an over view of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book offers contemporary understandings of forensic policy and practice from the range of practitioners working with people within the forensic arena. It also examines the intersections between substance abuse, mental illness and trauma, and how these contribute to homelessness with its enormous personal and societal costs. The book concentrates on a comprehensive analysis of the intersection between the forensic paradigm and work across the law, mental health and helping professions. Negligible attention has been paid to forensic policy and practice; this book offers cross-national attention to how mental health, welfare and justice systems intersect, who they affect, and how practitioners structure effective responses for vulnerable people within the forensic domain. The growth of individuals coming to forensic attention gives impetus to enhancing our understanding of the legal, clinical and social factors that surround management and interventions in this domain.
