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Forensic Assertive Community Treatment: A Review of the Literature

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Abstract

An extensive body of literature provides evidence supporting the effectiveness of assertive community treatment (ACT) with regard to non-forensic outcome measures, such as number of hospital admissions and length of stay. However, research findings on the effectiveness of ACT for forensic outcome measures, such as rearrests or detentions, is much less clear. The present review, therefore, focuses on the application of ACT in forensic populations, combining key elements of ACT with elements of forensic rehabilitation models. Specifically, a review of the literature was conducted using a systematic methodology in an attempt to combine evidence-based elements of 40 years of research on regular ACT with elements of forensic rehabilitation models. Results reveal limited yet promising evidence in support of the effectiveness of forensic ACT for forensic outcome measures. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.

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Acknowledgments

I would like to thank Ms. Eileen Tang for her much-appreciated contribution to this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research institute (CAPRI), Campus Drie Eiken Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium

    Thomas Marquant, Bernard Sabbe & Kris Goethals

  2. UPC St Camillus Bierbeek, Krijkelberg 1, 3360, Bierbeek, Belgium

    Thomas Marquant & Meike Van Nuffel

  3. Antwerp University (UA), Campus Drie Eiken Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium

    Bernard Sabbe & Kris Goethals

  4. University Forensic Centre, University Hospital Antwerp (UZA), Campus Drie Eiken Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium

    Bernard Sabbe & Kris Goethals

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  1. Thomas Marquant
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  2. Bernard Sabbe
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  3. Meike Van Nuffel
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  4. Kris Goethals
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Correspondence to Thomas Marquant.

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Marquant, T., Sabbe, B., Van Nuffel, M. et al. Forensic Assertive Community Treatment: A Review of the Literature. Community Ment Health J 52, 873–881 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-016-0044-0

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