Prison Suicide Resources
Daniel Forensic Psychiatric Services (DFPS) suggest the following links to provide you with additional information and resources on the many facets of forensic psychiatry:
Forensic Psychiatric Research: Resource FAQ
What are the primary professional organizations for forensic psychiatric research?
Research in this field is largely driven by organizations such as the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (AAPL) and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS). these bodies publish position statements, ethical guidelines, and peer-reviewed findings that define the “Standard of Care” and best practices for the intersection of medicine and the legal system.
Which scientific databases are best for finding forensic psychiatric literature?
For evidence-based research, professionals typically utilize PubMed, PsycINFO, and EMBASE. These databases allow researchers to filter specifically for “forensic psychiatry” or “correctional health” to find studies on recidivism, competency to stand trial, and the efficacy of various suicide prevention protocols in institutional settings.
How is legal case law used as a resource in forensic psychiatric research?
Legal databases like Westlaw and LexisNexis are essential for understanding how psychiatric testimony influences judicial outcomes. Researching published appellate decisions and Amicus Briefs helps professionals identify how courts interpret “Deliberate Indifference” or “Fitness for Duty” standards across different jurisdictions.
What is the difference between a clinical textbook and a forensic psychiatry handbook?
While clinical textbooks focus on the diagnosis and treatment of patients, forensic handbooks—such as the Oxford Specialist Handbook of Forensic Psychiatry—focus on the application of that clinical knowledge to legal questions. These resources prioritize topics like report writing, courtroom testimony, and the specific legal statutes governing mental health within the justice system.
Where can I find government reports and policy white papers on correctional mental health?
Institutional research is often found through government agencies such as the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), and the World Health Organization (WHO). These entities provide large-scale data on inmate demographics, mortality rates (including suicide), and national trends in correctional psychiatric staffing.