Assignment:
Even when residents of correctional facilities are not forced to accept treatment, officials at penal institutions can offer inducements to encourage inmates to participate in mental health services.
For example, authorities may grant or rescind access to the prison canteen or library, extend or restrict television viewing, or limit the use of exercise equipment. In a prison setting, a resident's quality of life can be dramatically affected by his or her response to offers of treatment. Thus, treatment is often coerced using strong incentives.
The issue of forced treatment of the mentally ill has been controversial. Proponents argue that mentally ill patients do not have the capacity to understand their condition and do not fully appreciate the harm that they may cause to themselves or to others. On the other hand, opponents of coerced treatment believe it violates fundamental civil liberties (Zaheer, 2001).
Zaheer, D. A. (2001). Expanding California's coerced treatment for the mentally ill: Is the promise of caring treatment in the community a lost hope? Southern California Interdisciplinary Law Journal, 10(2), 385-409.
To prepare for this Discussion:
Review the Bartol and Bartol book excerpt, Introduction to Forensic Psychology: Research and Application. Consider whether, and under what circumstances, inmates should be encouraged or even forced to accept counseling services or, in some instances, medication.
Review the article by Parker and Paine, "Informed Consent and the Refusal of Medical Treatment in the Correctional Setting."
Consider whether or not incarcerated individuals with mental illness should be forced to receive treatment.
Post your position on whether or not incarcerated individuals with mental illness should be forced to receive treatment. Justify your response with reference to at least two resources.
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