Evaluation of a Forensic Psychological Report - Term Paper Example

Evaluation Of A Forensic Psychological Report Reason for Referral The reason for referral of the offenderMr. smith was because he was in line to be granted parole. The referral was made because the psychologists wanted to ensure that he was a good candidate for parole having been interviewed before (Weiner, 2003). Furthermore, they wanted to verify that he had accomplished what he was told to do in the previous forensic psychological report. In addition, they wanted to know if he had been consistent in his behavior and if he was a threat to the community and to himself if released on parole. Therefore, this referral determined that Mr.Smith, the offender, was a low risk in engaging in future criminal activities by engaging in programs such as alcohol anonymous AA, educational units and currently taking 3matyh units and also worked in a work for pay position to elevate his antisocial behavior as stated in the psychological report (Great Britain & Great Britain, 2008). He also joined a group therapy, was an active member and stated his interest in continuing the therapy if granted parole on the outside. This saw Mr. Smith moved from the behavioral unit BHU and general population unit GPU. Capacity the Report Is Originally Used This report was originally used in order to evaluate Mr. Smith’s ability to be granted parole. It was done by psychologistJaneDoe having taken over the previous report from Jennifer common, PhD and john person PhD. This report was done based on previous reports on Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith appeared to have engaged in all of the previously mentioned recommendations as evidenced by him and the reports and staff from the correctional departments. How It Can Be Used In Alternative Venues This report can be used in various capacities. This report can be used by other professionals in the future. This report can be used by a lawyer in casings Mr. Smith is to violate his parole or commit another offense in the future. The report can also be used by other psychologists to evaluate other inmates who want parole in that it would assist them in knowing what to evaluate and recommend in such cases. Finally, this report can be used in a lecture class in a law school by a professor or lecturer to evaluate and lecture students who aspire to be future lawmakers on how to handle criminals and change them when granting parole and such kind of situations. Quality and Readability of This Report This report is of a high quality and it is also excellently written thus readable. As evident from the report the organization of information gives the report the quality it oozes. This is seen with the beginning of the report where the psychologist introduces herself, then introduces her client, his birth date, maritalstatus, interview date and other information that can be used in future reference. This is then followed by the psychologist clarification of the source of information, then the interview information which includes the offender’s current mental status, his institutional programming, his elf assessment, his parole plans if granted a release and substance abuse. Thereafter the diagnostic summary and considerations report is written which includes client’s diagnostic report. This reports show the mental health concerns or personality disorders of the offender (Dulmus&Nisbet, 2013). After this report the previous evaluation summaries are written. This is followed by violence and risk assessment where by the HCR or historical clinical risk and LSI or the level of service inventory is checked. Finally a summary of the report is done. It is here that a recommendation is done on whether the offender is qualified for parole or not. The psychologist concludes the report by signing off with her name for ease of identification. Generally the report is eloquently written. ScholarlyCritique of The Writing The report is donein a professional manner and is well organized. The psychologist seems well versed in her job and the offender seems to be really sorry for his past criminal life. This can be seen in his attempts to accomplish set recommendations by previous psychologists and attempts to better his life. This is evidenced by the fact that he has been reported to be antisocial therefore Mr. smith strives to become more social by agreeing to work with the staff and also joining a group therapy and being active. The writing is clearly and concisely written such that anybody reading it can be in a good position to make judgment of the offender. Moreover, this report is well done such that it can be used by other professionals in other departments in various capacities. On the other hand, the report is so brief and does not verify certain issues like Mr.Smith’sfuture if granted parole. The psychologist has taken Mr.Smith’s word for it that he has a place to stay in and a job to do without having verified the claims before writing and confirming it on paper. Information That Is Absent From the Report Vital information is missing from the report. This includes a follow up on Mr.Smith’s claims on a job offer by his previous construction company boss. Having a criminal past means that Mr.Smith cannot be trusted by word of mouth accounts. Another claim that has been written down without verification is the housing issue. Mr. Smith claims that his girlfriend works in a bank as a teller, opened a savings account for him in the last two years and would take him back. This must be verified because the girlfriends work as abank teller and living with a twice convictedarmed robber could put the girlfriend’s job in jeopardy. The set information on the report is normally put in such reports and is very correct (Great Britain, 2005). Use of Recommendations to Assist With Developing a Treatment Plan Chemical dependency treatment This recommendation ensures that Mr.Smith enrolls in a program that handles such cases. This will ensure that Mr. Smith is guided, counseled, undergoes therapy and if necessary referred to a doctor for some pills. In due course he will regain normalcy. Psychological treatment for depressive symptomology Having been a criminal largely because of his indulgence in dependency substances, whichmay have been caused by his depression levels, Mr.Smith will have to undergo therapy. Moreover, he has to start being social and perform voluntary work. This will boost his ego and self-esteem leading to disuse of dependency substances which lead to criminal activities. Consider a referral for psychotropic medications Psychotropic medications are medicines that help patients with stress and depression. When these drugs are taken they relax the mind and elevate moods. Mr.Smith is to have a prescription from a psychologist. Relapse-prevention plan Every criminal can have a relapse especially if under pressure and dire conditions. Therefore, Mr. Smith will have to a join a structure put in place for him to help curb a relapse (Siegel &Bartollas, 2014). Relapses are made common by the fact that it is hard for convicts to blend well in the society. Transitional programming The transition from inmate life to normal social life on the outside is very strenuous. Therefore, a transitional program can aid Mr.Smith in rejoining the society (Petersilia, 2003). For example a community based transitional program for people like him can be very important. This will treat Mr.Smith’sself-esteem. Encouragement and fostering of pro-social behaviors and attitudes Pro social behaviors and attitudes portrayed by Mr.Smith should be encouraged since if he has the ability to feel empathy he can change for the better. Programs that instill humanity in peopleare a must for Mr.Smith to regain self-worth (Day &Laufer, 1987). Questions for the Evaluator by the Court 1. Miss JaneDoe, did you follow up on Mr.Smith’s claim that he had a girlfriend who would take him back if he gained parole? 2. How sure are you that Mr.Smith was telling the truth? 3. The daughter that Mr.Smithclaims to have, could he have been playing with the sympathy father daughter role with you so as to gain parole? 4. Do you have any information on the existence of Mr. Smith’s child, MissJane? 5. Is it true to conclude that you hurriedly rushed over your report based on Mr.Smith’smanipulation of you by pretending to be a good man on the surface? 6. Can you tell the court boldly that the report you wrote was conclusive enough to grant Mr.Smith parole? References Dulmus, C. N., &Nisbet, B. C. (2013).Person-centered recovery planner for adults with serious mental illness. Day, J. M., &Laufer, W. S. (1987).Crime, values, and religion. Norwood, N.J: Ablex Pub. Corp. Great Britain. (2005). Rehabilitation of prisoners: First report of session 2004-05. London: Stationery Office. Great Britain.,& Great Britain. (2008). Ministry of Justice: Protecting the public : the work of the Parole Board. London: The Stationery Office. Petersilia, J. (2003). When prisoners come home: Parole and prisoner reentry. Oxford [u.a.: Oxford Univ. Press. Siegel, L. J., &Bartollas, C. (2014).Corrections today. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning. Weiner, I. B. (2003).Handbook of psychology: 10. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Read More