[Australia] The Identification of mental disorders in the criminal justice system / Australian Institute of Criminology, March 2007
http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi2/tandi334.html
James RP Ogloff, Michael R Davis, George Rivers and Stuart Ross
Trends and issues in crime and criminal justice, no. 334
"The Criminology Research Council commissioned a study to assess the level of screening and the instruments used across the jurisdictions by criminal justice agencies. Based on interviews and relevant documentation, the researchers found that, although assessment occurs in all jurisdictions and sectors, there is little consistency in the way offenders are assessed. As a result, the paper argues for a thorough, nationwide system of screening of all accused offenders taken into police custody, to identify those who require a comprehensive mental health assessment. For there to be an effective and efficient response to mental illness, the authors recommend not only that assessments be shared between criminal justice agencies but also that there be ongoing dialogue between mental health and justice agencies. However, little will be achieved unless courts, police, and parole authorities are given training and resources to better meet the needs of the mentally ill."