Program Evaluation and Outcomes of an Outpatient Competency Restoration Program

Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Doctoral Research Paper

Degree Name

Psy.D.

Organizational Unit

Graduate School of Professional Psychology

First Advisor

W. Neil Gowensmith

Second Advisor

Jacob N. Hyde

Third Advisor

Leah P. Wallerstein

Keywords

Outpatient competency restoration program, Justice system, Competency, Incompetent to stand trial, Offender

Abstract

Outpatient Competency Restoration Programs (OCRPs) have gained attention as a viable and effective format to provide restoration services to those who have been adjudicated as Incompetent to Stand Trial (IST). OCRPs are a practical option for those needing restoration services but do not require an inpatient setting to be restored to competency. Most OCRPs show promise in providing effective restoration services without compromising public safety. However, little is known about how specific programs operate. The University of Denver’s Forensic Institute for Research, Service, and Training (Denver FIRST) launched an OCRP in 2015. This study will describe demographic information, treatment adherence, and duration of treatment across the first 50 Denver FIRST OCRP participants. Several components of Denver FIRST’s OCRP are also compared and contrasted with other OCRPs across the country. Most participants were single, White/Caucasian male, with a mean age of 39.8, diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, and had been charged with a non-violent misdemeanor offense. The average participant spent 150 days in restoration services and the program produced a restoration rate of 18% in an average of 226.4 days. The Denver FIRST OCRP’s restoration rates are lower than other OCRPs across the country. Reasons for the low restoration rates are considered, suggestions for program improvements are provided, and future directions for research are given.

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.

Extent

52 pages

This document is currently not available here.



Share

COinS