M7D2: Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT)

38887M7D2: Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT)

This activity addresses module outcome 3. Upon completion of this activity, you will be able to:
• MO3: Articulate the need for forensic assertive community treatment (FACT) teams. (CO1 & 3)
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams have been utilized in community settings for decades. Designed to save money by treating persons in a less restrictive environment, these multidisciplinary teams provide integrated services to persons with serious mental illness and extensive histories of psychiatric hospitalization. The much newer FACT teams expand eligibility for community services to justice-involved persons. The goal is to prevent both psychiatric institutionalization and jail detentions.

Before beginning this discussion read the following:
• Cuddeback, G. S., Morrissey, J. P., & Cusack, K. J. (2008). How many forensic assertive community treatment teams do we need? (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. Psychiatric Services, 59(2), 205-208. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2712922/
As indicated in the text, eligibility for FACT has been defined by many jurisdictions as a diagnosis of a serious mental illness and three or more detentions over the past 12 months. The nature of the offense resulting in the detention has not been a factor.

Respond to the following:
• Should offense at arrest be an element of FACT consideration? If yes, what offenses would negate eligibility?
• What additional public safety concerns are associated with FACT team operations?