Toward an agenda for reform of justice and mental health systems interactions.

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Abstract
This article presents an agenda for reform of the justice and mental health systems interactions, which includes policy, management, and research strategies related to the systemic and interorganizational issues facing the two systems. The strategies are divided into six major categories: (a) base decisions, procedures, and policies on empirical data; (b) improve communications between system; (c) ensure dignity and respect are afforded all individuals involved in both systems; (d) ensure the availability and delivery of mental health services and treatment prorams; (e) inform others about issues related to the intereactions of the justice and mental health systems; and (f) periodically review and reformulate policies, management strategies, and research efforts for improving systems interactions. The article also presents a summary of the problems and possible goals associated with mental health and justice systems interactions. The summaries as well as the agenda are based on the results of a symposiuum attended by practitioners and scholars in the justice and mental health fields.