The number of individuals with severe mental illness in the criminal justice system is shockingly high. In addition, there is a wealth of research that shows that the traditional incarceration model is not effective with this population, and that many of these individuals can be helped in the community. Community-based services would come at less cost to the community and would not increase the risk to public safety. Community-based services can address an individual’s risk-relevant needs and enhance opportunities for recovery. As a result, during the last decade there has been an increasing interest in community-based alternatives to incarceration for individuals with severe mental illness.

The book The Sequential Intercept Model and Criminal Justice offers an overview of the recent changes in correctional policies and practices that reflect an increased focus on community-based alternatives for offenders. This book, edited by Patricia A. Griffin, Kirk Heilbrun, Edward P. Mulvey, David DeMatteo, and Carol A. Schubert, highlights the following:

  • Community-based alternatives to incarceration for criminal offenders with severe mental illness;
  • Descriptions of the Sequential Intercept Mapping, developed by Drs. Mark Munetz and Patricia Griffin, and its five points of interception in detail; and
  • Highlights authors who are academic, policy, and practice experts in criminal justice and mental illness.

Associated Mappings:

  • Sequential Intercept Model Mapping Workshops

This resource was first shared in 2005.

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