Forensic Case Histories: Understanding Serious Offending Behaviour in Men examines men's violent and sexual offending behaviours, outlined through a series of real offender narratives, from a psychological perspective and in an accessible manner that will engage any audience, from the criminology-intrigued layperson to the specialist in the field. This unique and conversational text thinks psychologically about serious crime, offering a compilation of men's narratives that explore their life experiences and the ways in which these experiences influence their behaviour in adulthood. Each chapter addresses a particular theme, covering frequently asked questions in the field such as, 'How can an apparently motiveless offence have meaning?' and 'Is psychopathy a personality disorder, and why do we struggle to treat individuals with such traits?' The narratives of individuals who offend are central to the discussion, but the chapters each draw on the relevant facts from the research literature and highlight key learning points. Many chapters also feature 'Further Reading' sections to expand readers' knowledge. Both educational and accessible, Forensic Case Histories will appeal not only to specialists but to any layperson curious to understand more about criminal acts. It is especially valuable to students and instructors of criminal justice, mental health, and related fields.

Forensic Case Histories: Understanding Serious Offending Behaviour in Men examines men's violent and sexual offending behaviours, outlined through a series of real offender narratives, from a psychological perspective and in an accessible manner that will engage any audience, from the criminology-intrigued layperson to the specialist in the field. This unique and conversational text thinks psychologically about serious crime, offering a compilation of men's narratives that explore their life experiences and the ways in which these experiences influence their behaviour in adulthood. Each chapter addresses a particular theme, covering frequently asked questions in the field such as, 'How can an apparently motiveless offence have meaning?' and 'Is psychopathy a personality disorder, and why do we struggle to treat individuals with such traits?' The narratives of individuals who offend are central to the discussion, but the chapters each draw on the relevant facts from the research literature and highlight key learning points. Many chapters also feature 'Further Reading' sections to expand readers' knowledge. Both educational and accessible, Forensic Case Histories will appeal not only to specialists but to any layperson curious to understand more about criminal acts. It is especially valuable to students and instructors of criminal justice, mental health, and related fields.

Drawing on the latest evidence from the disparate worlds of mental health and criminal justice, Managing Personality Disordered Offenders in the Community provides a practical guide to the management and treatment of a group who comprise some of the most troubled offenders, who provoke the most anxiety in our society.

Illustrated throughout with relevant case examples, this book provides a detailed account of key issues in the assessment of both personality disorder and offending. Dowsett and Craissati explore the current state of knowledge regarding treatment approaches, before suggesting a framework for thinking about community management, legislation, and multi-agency practice. The book concludes with a discussion of community pilot projects currently taking place throughout England and Wales.

Managing Personality Disordered Offenders in the Community is an accessible and informative guide for trainees and practitioners working in the fields of mental health, social services, and the criminal justice system.

How can a psychological framework improve the success of risk management? The management of sex offenders in the community is of paramount concern to the general public, and this is reflected in the numberous recent changes to public protection procedures. Managing High Risk Sex Offenders in the Community covers both the assessment and management of high risk sex offenders in the community, with an emphasis on evidence-based approaches. The reader will be able to access the most widely used actuarial approaches to risk assessment and understand the clinical themes that underpin such variables. The book answers questions including: * Are sex offenders likely to escalate their behaviour if not stopped? * Is the risk on the streets or at home? * Can we differentiate between those offenders who will and those who will not reoffend? This book links psychologically-based theoretical principles with practical considerations for professionals in the field. By demystifying the current state of knowledge on risk posed by sex offenders, practitioners will be well placed to engage in defensible decision-making and strive for best practice in the community.

This text provides a knowledge base in relation to child sexual abusers which is focused on practice - assessment, treatment and evaluation - but rooted in psychological theory. It simplifies and outlines an approach to this group of offenders, particularly so given that the author has developed and managed a sex offender project in South East London which is now one of the largest, longest running, and most thoroughly evaluated in the country. Although some of the academic focus is on British factors, the book aims to appeal to an international audience in terms of the step-by-step detail relating to the process of assessment and treatment, and a chapter has been devoted to the primary challenge of denial in child sexual abusers.

How can a psychological framework improve the success of risk management? The management of sex offenders in the community is of paramount concern to the general public, and this is reflected in the numberous recent changes to public protection procedures. Managing High Risk Sex Offenders in the Community covers both the assessment and management of high risk sex offenders in the community, with an emphasis on evidence-based approaches. The reader will be able to access the most widely used actuarial approaches to risk assessment and understand the clinical themes that underpin such variables. The book answers questions including: * Are sex offenders likely to escalate their behaviour if not stopped? * Is the risk on the streets or at home? * Can we differentiate between those offenders who will and those who will not reoffend? This book links psychologically-based theoretical principles with practical considerations for professionals in the field. By demystifying the current state of knowledge on risk posed by sex offenders, practitioners will be well placed to engage in defensible decision-making and strive for best practice in the community.

Sexual offenders - arguably the most hated and feared of all offenders - commit their crimes in our communities and are then hidden from public view as they serve long prison sentences. However, despite the public's understandable anxiety, our criminal justice systems hold to the premise that almost all offenders have the right to hope for rehabilitation, even redemption. Therefore the majority of sexual offenders return to live in our communities, closely monitored by criminal justice agencies and subject to rigorous controls. This book provides an authoritative guide to working with sexual offenders, with a focus on managing those who are reintegrating into the community. It includes those with the most striking histories of trauma and psychological difficulty, and those who have previously failed in their attempts at resettlement. It covers helpful theoretical ideas, such as attachment theory and models of desistance, as well as the latest evidence base for good quality risk assessment. The book supports practitioners on the front line of this work by providing them with evidence-based guidance. It presents a multitude of case examples and practice tips that can support effective decision making and achieve safe outcomes, as well as help such offenders build worthwhile community lives.

Sexual offenders - arguably the most hated and feared of all offenders - commit their crimes in our communities and are then hidden from public view as they serve long prison sentences. However, despite the public's understandable anxiety, our criminal justice systems hold to the premise that almost all offenders have the right to hope for rehabilitation, even redemption. Therefore the majority of sexual offenders return to live in our communities, closely monitored by criminal justice agencies and subject to rigorous controls. This book provides an authoritative guide to working with sexual offenders, with a focus on managing those who are reintegrating into the community. It includes those with the most striking histories of trauma and psychological difficulty, and those who have previously failed in their attempts at resettlement. It covers helpful theoretical ideas, such as attachment theory and models of desistance, as well as the latest evidence base for good quality risk assessment. The book supports practitioners on the front line of this work by providing them with evidence-based guidance. It presents a multitude of case examples and practice tips that can support effective decision making and achieve safe outcomes, as well as help such offenders build worthwhile community lives.

The UK Government's Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) Strategy is one of the most significant developments in mental health and criminal justice in recent years. The challenges presented by personality disorder offenders are not unique to the UK and this book also provides a useful overview of developments in the UK for those working with this population in countries where health service provision and legal frameworks pose different challenges. Managing Personality Disordered Offenders: A Pathways Approach describes how the OPD Strategy has been implemented by a consortium of mental health trusts in the UK, in collaboration with the National Probation Service and the Prison Service. This volume covers the broad range of key tasks in developing and delivering an OPD service. This includes reviewing the political and clinical context and how it aims to address some of the criticisms levelled at previous initiatives developed to meet the needs of this population. In each chapter, the authors review the existing literature and discuss the various options that were considered during the development of each of the services. Through this lens, the reader gains a better understanding of the direction taken, followed by a detailed, practical "how to do it" guide.

Drawing on the latest evidence from the disparate worlds of mental health and criminal justice, Managing Personality Disordered Offenders in the Community provides a practical guide to the management and treatment of a group who comprise some of the most troubled offenders, who provoke the most anxiety in our society.

Illustrated throughout with relevant case examples, this book provides a detailed account of key issues in the assessment of both personality disorder and offending. Dowsett and Craissati explore the current state of knowledge regarding treatment approaches, before suggesting a framework for thinking about community management, legislation, and multi-agency practice. The book concludes with a discussion of community pilot projects currently taking place throughout England and Wales.

Managing Personality Disordered Offenders in the Community is an accessible and informative guide for trainees and practitioners working in the fields of mental health, social services, and the criminal justice system.