Book: Adolescent Forensic Psychiatry

Why would you read a book on adolescent forensic psychiatry? Well, there are a number of reasons, many of which have been well covered by the editors of this book. If you are a child and adolescent psychiatrist (like me), you would find such a book useful in understanding and managing risk posed by adolescents with delinquent behaviours. You would benefit from a framework for assessment—handily provided here in the chapter by Carol Sheldrick. You would also want to know the scientific basis of delinquent behaviours and what therapeutic approaches can be used to treat such behaviours. You would look at the book's examples and ideas for service delivery. Finally, you would expect information on legal frameworks within the United Kingdom.​Kingdom. Figure 1 Eds Susan Bailey and Mairead Dolan Arnold Publishers, £49, pp 384 ISBN 0340763892 Rating: ★★★★ Edited by pioneers in the field of adolescent forensic psychiatry and with contributions by experts in their own fields, this book provides answers to some of these and other questions and expectations. The chapters have been illustrated with case examples. I was particularly impressed with the chapter on needs assessment and the section on offending behaviours. These would be helpful to a number of clinicians working with adolescents, psychologists, psychiatrists, and community psychiatric nurses. Where the book lets the reader down is in its slant towards “inpatient” adolescent forensic services, including prison psychiatry. The authors acknowledge that their book is directed primarily at those involved in secure care. I would have welcomed chapters on outpatient forensic psychiatry (given the increasing collaboration between child and adolescent mental health services and youth offending teams). Another area that could have been included is application of family therapy. Most young offenders live with their families, who face an enormous burden, socially and financially, because of the offender's behaviour. I also would have wanted a full chapter on preparation of court reports and on presenting evidence as an expert witness. Nevertheless, these gaps do not reduce the usefulness of the book.