Anne Crocker

Summary of the research program

In Canada, as elsewhere, the closure of psychiatric beds, changes in civil and criminal laws, social movements towards social integration, the scarcity of affordable housing with community follow-ups, and the complexity of clinical issues have led to new challenges in caring for individuals with mental disorders. The justice system is playing an increasingly important role in access to and support for care, and a growing number of people move between justice, health, social service systems, and the streets. This phenomenon of 'revolving doors' has economic repercussions and significant consequences for society, as well as for the individuals themselves.

The goal of my research program is to better understand the issues and characteristics at these intersections between mental health and justice in order to identify potential avenues for intervention, access to services, and management of problematic behaviors in these marginalized vulnerable populations. Specifically, my research aims to:

• Specify the problems and specific needs of these individuals in their interactions with the justice system.
• Analyze legislative mechanisms related to access, organization, and delivery of services.
• Identify service utilization profiles and judicial pathways.
• Develop, adapt, and implement assessment tools and management strategies for aggressive or criminal behaviors.
• Identify obstacles to social and community integration and determine factors that facilitate better integration into the community following legal proceedings.

The program aims to improve the success chances for these marginalized individuals and offer solutions in coordinating services across criminal justice, health, and social service systems.