ABSTRACT
This chapter explores issues related to offenders with co-occurring disorders (COD) who are involved in the criminal justice system. It examines relevant empirical research and discusses the impact the disorders have on correctional and forensic settings. The chapter analyzes the literature pertaining to female and juvenile COD offenders. It highlights some of the challenges encountered in the identification, treatment, and management of offenders diagnosed with CODs. Relative to offenders with only mental health or substance use disorders, offenders with CODs are at a greater risk for violence, arrest for new crimes, technical violation of community supervision, and return to custody. The Co-Occurring Disorders Residential Therapeutic Community is a long-term residential substance abuse program for inmates who have co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders. The chapter also discusses adjustment to institutional settings, institutional misconduct, assessment and treatment, reentry, and recidivism. It concludes with screening suggestions that are appropriate for offenders with co-occurring disorders and reviews established intervention strategies.
