ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the distinctions between correctional and forensic mental health treatment, with emphasis on basic versus rehabilitative mental health services. Forensic and correctional interventions are both focused on persons who are criminal justice-involved; nevertheless, they involve different populations and aims. Correctional interventions are typically focused on facilitating change such that an offender is less likely to reoffend, and thus public safety is enhanced. Competency to stand trial (CST) is related to a defendant's current mental state and ability to participate in legal proceedings. Criminal responsibility is a legal issue focused on the defendant's state of mind at the time of the crime. Correctional scholars continue to strive to identify the most effective correctional philosophies for reducing suffering, institutional misconduct, crime, and criminal recidivism. Although recent statistics demonstrate that the rate of juvenile arrests has decreased since the early 2000s, efforts to reduce criminal activity among delinquent youth continue to be of vital importance within the juvenile justice system.
