Returning the Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity to the Community: A New Scale to Determine Readiness

Abstract

The very difficult and very important decision on the readiness of an insanity acquittee for community treatment is often based on informal, invalidated criteria. A more standardized approach is needed. The bases for decisions can then be more clearly articulated and the adequacy of recommendations evaluated. This article describes the development of a scale designed to help guide decisions on readiness for community treatment.