Forensic Services - Mental Health and Criminal Justice
West Virginia Code §27-6A-(1-11) provides specific guidelines for supervision and treatment of persons with mental disorders/defects involved in the criminal justice system. Forensic Services provide oversight of these processes and collaborates with court personnel, law enforcement, jails and prisons, inpatient staff, community providers, and family to provide management of said defendants in the least restrictive environment considering public safety. Forensic Services provides technical assistance, clarification of legislative regulations, and forensic polices and guidelines to regional psychiatric hospitals, the criminal justice system, community providers and others who interact with those offenders who have been adjudicated as incompetent to stand trial-in need of restoration (IST-R), incompetent to stand trial-unable to be restored (IST-NR), or not guilty by reason of mental illness (NGRMI).
AREAS OF FOCUS:
Forensic Evaluation Services - Court ordered forensic evaluations are conducted for West Virginia defendants to provide judgment of competency and criminal responsibility. Additionally, pre-sentencing recommendations for adults found guilty of a sexual offense are provided if ordered by the Court. There is a list of approved forensic evaluators provided on this Website.
Inpatient and Transitional Services - An inpatient Forensic Coordinator works collaboratively with hospital staff to assure provision of quality services for the unique needs of the forensic patient. These services include competency restoration and treatment and preparation for transition to a group home, supported or independent living setting. Dangerousness (risk) assessment and comprehensive community treatment planning identifies community based interventions for successful forensic patient community integration while maintaining public safety.
Community Forensic Monitoring - Ensures that adjudicated defendants have a successful transition from inpatient to community placement including risk management procedures implemented by community providers with guidance and support of the Forensic Community Coordinator and that re-hospitalization occurs when public safety necessitates increased stabilization and/or security.
Research and Training- Forensic collaborates with West Virginia University Department of Forensic Psychiatry to research and promote evidence based practices. Currently, a pilot program is being conducted on the use of LS/CMI actuarial risk assessment instrument in preparing community based treatment plans for those forensic patients ready for conditional release to the community. Forensic Services offers orientation for all new inpatient staff, training, and educational programs upon request.
For more information :
Georgette A. Bradstreet
Statewide Forensic Coordinator
(304)269-1210 ext.586
Georgette.A.Bradstreet@wv.gov
Evaluations For West Virginia
Uniform Forensic Court Orders
- §27-6A-1(a) & §27-6A-4(a), Initial Forensic Examination
- §27-6A-2(d) & §27-6A-4(d), 15 Day Admission for Examination
- §27-6A-3, Preliminary Finding -- Incompetent to Stand Trial -- Likely to improve
- §27-6A-3(f), Court Granting Extension
- §27-6A-3(f) & §27-6A-3(l), Post Hearing Finding of Incompetent to stand trial; Likely to regain competency
- §27-6A-3(f) & §27-6A-3(g), Post Hearing Finding of Not Competent to Stand Trial; Not likely to regain competency crime did not involve act of violence against a person
- §27-6A-3(h), Post Hearing Finding of Not Competent to Stand Trial; Not likely to regain competency, crime involves act of violence against a person. Defendant is a danger to self or/ others
- §27-6A-3(i) & §27-6A-5, Order discharging patient from inpatient facility to less restrictive environment §27-6A-4, Not Guilty by reason of Mental Illness
- §27-6A-4(c), Extension of Time for Written Report §27-6A-5(a), Return of Defendant or Acquittee to inpatient mental health facility
- §27-6A-3(f) & §27-6A-3(l), Hearing upon competency