Evaluating conditional release in female insanity acquittees: A risk management perspective

Research focusing on insanity acquittees released into the community has been growing at an exponential rate to reflect the policy and practice of placing these individuals in the community under supervision. Research on females placed on conditional release has lagged behind studies on males. Data on 76 females (M age = 42.76) found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect and conditionally released over a 7-year time period were evaluated. Fifty-two females (68.4%) maintained their conditional release and 24 (31.6%) had their conditional release revoked for rule violations or criminal behavior; however, there were no revocations for violent behavior. Required hospitalization to treat emerging symptoms of mental illness was related to revocation of release. Likelihood of a subsequent revocation increased after an initial revocation. Implications for treatment and policy are discussed, with emphases on risk management and program development.