Risk Factors
Name 3 risk factors
Skipping medication, missing programs/groups, interpersonal conflict, disrupted sleep, substance use, life transitions/stressors, impulsivity, poor coping skills, history of violence, past treatment non-adherence, negative mood, stress, lack of insight
Name 2 common violations of a Conditional Release Plan
Using substances, refusing therapy services, discontinuing medication, violating curfew, missing court hearings, missed appointments, unauthorized contact with victim, leaving county without permission
Name 2 things a risk assessment is used to evaluate.
Likelihood of future violence, appropriateness for continued conditional release, treatment progress.
Name 1 protective factor related to your daily routine once discharged.
Employment, school, structured activities, consistent schedule, adequate sleep.
What is treatment adherence?
Following through on prescribed treatment (e.g., medication, therapy, appointments) consistently.
True or false: Once a risk factor is identified, it stays the same forever.
False: risk factors can fluctuate and be targeted for intervention
What is a Conditional Release Plan?
A court-ordered set of conditions an NGI-acquitted individual must follow while living in the community instead of a hospital.
Name 2 ways you can prepare for your risk assessment
Attend groups/programs, be compliant with medication, practice coping skills, learn your CRP, avoid fights/altercations, seek support when needed, review your treatment goals, get adequate sleep, practice discussing your history calmly.
Name 2 protective factors related to relationships/support.
Supportive family, positive peer relationships, therapeutic alliance, sponsor/mentor, healthy romantic relationships
Name 2 signs of good treatment adherence.
Taking medication as prescribed, attending appointments, being honest with providers, following through on recommendations, cooperating with treatment.
Name 2 risk factors related to your thinking or mood.
Name 2 people or agencies typically involved in monitoring your conditional release plan (CRP).
Case manager, treatment team, forensic monitor, court, probation-type supervisor.
Name 2 things you should be prepared to discuss during a risk assessment.
Your history, current symptoms, substance use, thoughts of harm, treatment compliance.
What is a protective factor?
A characteristic/circumstance that reduces the likelihood of future violence or relapse.
Name 2 consequences of poor treatment adherence for someone on a conditional release plan (CRP).
Symptom relapse, increased risk of violation, possible revocation, increased risk factors, return to hospital.
Name 2 risk factors that involve other people or your environment.
Unstable housing, conflict, lack of support, negative peer influence, access to weapons/substances.
What should you do if you think you might not be able to meet one of your conditional release plan (CRP) conditions?
Notify your case manager/treatment team immediately before the violation occurs. Reach out for help or support.
If you have a history of violence/aggression, during your risk assessment you should:
Be open and honest rather than minimizing or denying it - honesty demonstrates insight.
How can strong coping skills act as a protective factor?
They help you manage stress/triggers without resorting to maladaptive behaviors, substance use, or aggression.
Name one strategy to help you remember to take medication consistently.
Pill organizer, phone alarm/reminder app, calendar reminder, pairing with a daily routine, pharmacy blister packs.
Name 2 risk factors specifically related to substance use.
Active intoxication, relapse, access to substances, using substances to cope, surrounded by peer groups who use substances
What is one possible consequence of violating your conditional release plan (CRP)?
Dismissal of conditional release and return to the hospital.
How can consistent participation in treatment leading up to your risk assessment affect the outcome?
It demonstrates stability, insight, and adherence, which can support a lower risk determination and suggest higher compliance with CRP.
Name 4 protective factors
Social support, medication adherence, attending therapy/group/program services, spirituality/religion, family support, secure housing, secure employment, adaptive coping skills
Why might someone stop taking their medication even when it's working?
Side effects, feeling "cured," denial of illness, forgetfulness, stigma.