Ethics, Psychiatry and Law: Emerging Themes in Global Forensic Psychiatry-Presentation Slides

Presentation Slides - Dr. Dike

Pdf Summary

This presentation by Dr. Charles C. Dike at the APA Annual Meeting (2024) addresses evolving themes in global forensic psychiatry, focusing on ethics, advocacy, and expanding roles for forensic psychiatrists beyond traditional forensic evaluations. The American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (AAPL), primarily known for its work in forensic evaluation and legal testimony, is challenged to broaden its mission to include treatment and advocacy for forensic patients.<br /><br />Dr. Dike highlights the historical narrowness of forensic psychiatry's mission — centered on third-party evaluations often in legal settings — and calls attention to the emerging recognition that forensic psychiatrists also have a treatment role in correctional and forensic hospital settings. He advocates for the formal inclusion of forensic treatment specialists within AAPL, potentially with dedicated certification to improve recruitment, recognition, and funding.<br /><br />The presentation tackles the ethical imperatives of advocacy in forensic psychiatry, emphasizing the necessity to support patients’ social determinants of health such as housing, employment, transportation, and healthcare access, which are critical to preventing recidivism and promoting well-being. Dr. Dike critiques systemic barriers that offenders face post-incarceration and stresses that addressing these challenges is ethically mandated.<br /><br />He discusses competency restoration programs, noting systemic failings in prisons and jails and highlighting innovative state-level responses. Connecticut’s Enhanced Forensic Respite Bed (EFRB) program exemplifies a community-based alternative to inpatient competency restoration for misdemeanor defendants with mental illness. The EFRB provides clinical stabilization, peer support, case management, housing, and employment referrals, aiming to divert individuals from hospitalization and incarceration while lowering costs and improving outcomes. Preliminary data collection and qualitative assessments aim to measure effectiveness and guide program expansion.<br /><br />Overall, the presentation underscores the urgent need for forensic psychiatry to integrate social justice principles, advocacy, treatment, and holistic patient care into its framework to better serve forensic populations.

Keywords

Forensic Psychiatry

Dr. Charles C. Dike

APA Annual Meeting 2024

Ethics in Forensic Psychiatry

Advocacy for Forensic Patients

American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (AAPL)

Competency Restoration Programs

Enhanced Forensic Respite Bed (EFRB)

Social Determinants of Health

Forensic Psychiatry Treatment and Advocacy