Forensic Division

About the Forencic Division:

The State Mental Health Forensic Directors hereby organize in support of the interests and purposes of the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors in the development and operation of forensic programs and facilities.

Administration of mental health forensic systems requires understanding and integration of at least four distinguishable fields:
1) Behavioral Science,
2) Corrections,
3) Legislation and Law, and
4) Administration.

Forensic service systems are the result of planning, development, and operation in diverse endeavors including:

1) Mental Health evaluation and treatment services to courts and custody facilities;
2) Operation of secure hospitals;
3) Provision of technical consultation to staff in developing methods of effective recognition and management of areas such as civil commitment, patient's rights and guardianship;
4) Development of training of mental health, legal, correctional and administrative professionals; and
5) Consultation in the development of sound legislation and administrative rules.

It is the purpose, therefore, of the State Mental Health Forensic Directors, Division of National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, to gather those individuals directly responsible for the administration of state forensic systems in order to:

1) Provide a mechanism for collection, study, discussion, resolution and dissemination of problems, ideas, models, information, and approaches to the planning, development, and operation of state forensic systems, programs and facilities;
2) Promote and participate in training and in development of appropriate standards; and
3) Improve the quality, effectiveness, and pursuit of excellence in forensic administration.

Meeting Presentations

2009

Presentations from the Forensic Division 2009 Annual Meeting held September 28-30, 2009 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

2008

Presentations from the Forensic Division 2008 Annual Meeting held September 21-14, 2008 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

2007

Presentations from the Forensic Division 2007 Annual Meeting held September 16-19, 2007 in San Antonio, Texas.

2005

Presentations from the Forensic Division 2005 Annual Meeting, held September 11-14, 2005 in Stateline, Nevada.

For more information, e-mail us at info@nasmhpd.org.

Member Search

Search our overall membership directory for Forensic Division members.

Leadership

Chairperson:
Debra Pinals, M.D. (MA)

NASMHPD Commissioner Advisor:
Vacant

NASMHPD Division Administrator:
Roy E. Praschil
Director of Operations
NASMHPD
66 Canal Center Plaza,
Suite 302
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-739-9333
Fax: 703-548-9517
roy.praschil@nasmhpd.org