Comparative evaluation of a diversion from custody scheme

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Abstract
Data collected from defendants referred by magistrates' courts both before and after the introduction of a psychiatric assessment scheme at the same courts are presented. By using the courts as their own controls, a comparative evaluation of the impact the psychiatric scheme had on the processing of mentally disordered offenders can be made. The proportions of offences of personal violence or against property remained steady over the study period. While the total number of admissions increased by 38.3%, in die prospective phase admissions still represented less than a quarter of all referrals (23.2%). The largest impact produced by the psychiatric scheme was on the time taken to conclude the case following referral for a psychiatric opinion. The presence of the scheme was associated with a reduction in the relevant time of 44.4%. Almost half of those referred to the scheme were entered into either formal (20.4%) or voluntary (27.5%) arrangements to provide psychiatric treatment.