Social Work Commons^™

The Social Worker’S Role In Ensuring Quality Counsel For Defendants With Mental Illness, Lauren M. Pappacena

21st Century Social Justice

The current literature surrounding the intersection of criminal justice and mental health is addressed. First, the history of overrepresentation of individuals with a mental health disorder in the criminal justice system is discussed, followed by a discussion of the current gaps in the literature. These gaps need to be addressed to inform better practices among public defenders and their decision making role with clients who have a mental health disorder. The lack of research is evident in ambiguous judicial guidance in ensuring that defendants with a mental health disorder are able to exercise autonomy relevant to their case. Social workers …