Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are overrepresented in the criminal legal system, with over 60% returning to prison within three years of release. Traditional mental health services have not effectively reduced recidivism for this population. Criminogenic risk factors, including antisocial behaviors, substance abuse, and criminal thinking, are more prevalent in people with SMI, and these factors contribute to their continued legal system involvement. While the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model has been effective in reducing recidivism in the general population, it requires adaptation to address the unique needs of individuals with SMI, who face challenges like neurocognitive and social impairments.

To bridge this gap, the Forging New Paths (FNP) intervention was developed specifically for community mental health settings. FNP targets criminogenic risk factors such as impulsivity, criminal attitudes, and interpersonal problems using a flexible, group-based approach informed by the RNR model and therapeutic strategies from the Targeted Service Delivery Approach. A pilot clinical trial is assessing its impact on aggression, community tenure, and criminogenic risks. If successful, FNP could become a scalable intervention to reduce legal system involvement among individuals with SMI by addressing criminogenic risks before re-engagement.

Reference: Wilson AB, Bonfine N, Phillips J, et al. Forging new paths in the development of community mental health interventions for people with mental illness at risk of criminal legal system contact. Health Justice. 2025;13(1):3. doi: 10.1186/s40352-025-00315-x.