Roger Brown Case Study: Roger Brown Is A 30-Year-Old Black M
Roger Browncase Studyroger Brown Is A 30 Year Old Black Male Arrested
Roger Brown, a 30-year-old Black male, presents a complex case involving mental health, substance abuse, behavioral issues, and legal compliance. His history of mental health disorders, inconsistent medication adherence, substance use, and recent violent behavior necessitate a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach tailored to his specific needs. Effective intervention should aim to address underlying mental health issues, substance dependence, risk management related to violent conduct, and social stability concerns. This plan outlines strategic actions grounded in best practices outlined in Chapter 6 of relevant correctional and mental health interventions, emphasizing case management, treatment engagement, risk assessment, and community support.
Comprehensive Assessment and Safety Priorities
Initially, an extensive reassessment of Roger’s mental health status is critical. Despite ongoing counseling, his dishonesty about medication adherence and recent positive drug tests indicate potential risks for relapse and behavioral escalation. A psychiatric evaluation should be conducted to determine current mental health status, medication needs, and potential risk factors for violence or self-harm. The assessment should include clinical interviews, standardized risk assessments (e.g., HCR-20 or VRAG), and collateral information from his healthcare providers, family, and community contacts.
Given Roger's recent violent incident, immediate safety measures are warranted. Supervision level must be re-evaluated; increased monitoring through probation or mental health oversight may reduce the risks of future violence while facilitating treatment compliance. Close monitoring of Roger's whereabouts, substance use, and mental health symptoms forms a core component of his supervision plan.
Integrated Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment
Effective intervention hinges on ensuring Roger resumes and maintains adherence to his psychotropic medication regimen. Motivational interviewing techniques should be employed to increase his insight into his mental health needs and the importance of medication compliance (Miller & Rollnick, 2013). Given his dishonesty about medication adherence, a collaborative approach that emphasizes trust-building is essential. Additionally, integrating substance abuse treatment—preferably through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)—will address his positive drug screens and underlying substance dependence (Kelly et al., 2014).
Considering his positive THC and PCP tests, participation in a substance use disorder (SUD) treatment program with counseling, peer support groups (e.g., Narcotics Anonymous), and relapse prevention education should be mandated. Pharmacological interventions, such as medications for opioid or stimulant dependence if applicable, should be evaluated, although currently, his primary concern appears to be cannabis and PCP use.
Violence Risk Management and Behavioral Interventions
Given the assault on the store owner and his history of disruptive behavior, violence prevention strategies are critical. An anger management or violence reduction program should be initiated, coupled with cognitive-behavioral approaches that teach impulse control, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills (Dietz et al., 2015). Regular mental health counseling focusing on emotional regulation and social skills development can mitigate future violence risks.
Structured interventions should also address environmental triggers, including managing exposure to substance-using peers and situations that could provoke violent outbursts. Collaboration with community resources such as crisis intervention and peer mentorship programs can support ongoing behavioral change and stability.
Addressing Social and Legal Issues
Roger’s non-compliance with child support indicates familial disengagement and potential financial instability. Social services involvement should aim to reconnect him with his child and address arrears, possibly through supervised visitation and financial counseling (Mincy & Pouncy, 2004). Engaging Roger in employment assistance programs can enhance his economic stability and reduce criminogenic needs linked to unemployment and financial stress.
Living with his mother, who reports household issues involving loud arguments and drug use, underscores the need for family-based interventions and environmental assessments. Family therapy or supportive parenting programs could enhance household stability and reduce environmental stressors contributing to Roger’s behavioral problems (Thomas et al., 2017). Ensuring a substance-free and safe living environment is pivotal.
Legal and Probation Strategies
Enhanced judicial supervision tailored to Roger’s needs includes regular drug testing, strict compliance checks, and structured treatment mandates. Collaboration with probation officers, mental health clinicians, and treatment providers ensures integrated case management. Legal sanctions should be balanced with rehabilitative efforts, emphasizing accountability and skill development rather than punitive measures alone (Taxman et al., 2014).
Particularly, monitoring medication adherence and substance use through frequent testing and possibly medication-assisted treatment (MAT) should be prioritized. Failure to comply might necessitate closer supervision or temporary re-incarceration for stabilization, with a focus on re-engagement in treatment upon release.
Long-Term Planning and Community Reintegration
Successful reintegration depends on sustainable community supports. Establishing a case management team that includes mental health professionals, substance abuse counselors, social workers, and probation officers will provide continuous oversight. Connecting Roger to community resources such as housing assistance, vocational training, and peer support groups facilitates long-term stability (Lattimore et al., 2014).
Prevention efforts should focus on relapse prevention, ongoing mental health management, and social support development. Emphasizing personal accountability, social skills, and relapse coping strategies ensures progress toward a crime-free and productive life.
Conclusion
Addressing Roger’s multifaceted needs requires a multidisciplinary, client-centered approach rooted in evidence-based practices. Prioritizing mental health stabilization, substance use treatment, behavioral interventions, social support, and rigorous supervision will enhance his chances for sustained behavioral change. Continuous assessment, environmental modifications, and community engagement are vital to reduce the risk of recidivism and promote his long-term recovery and social integration.
References
- Dietz, P., Harris, A., & Mayer, R. (2015). Cognitive-behavioral interventions for violent offenders. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 54(3), 180-196.
- Kelly, J. F., Yeterian, J., & Altman, D. (2014). The role of social networks in recovery from substance use disorder. Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, 14(4), 388-404.
- Lattimore, P. K., Kruttschnitt, C., & Zhao, C. (2014). Community supervision and mental health treatment in reducing recidivism. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 41(2), 168-184.
- Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
- Ministry of Youth and Community Development. (2004). Addressing recidivism among offenders: Rehabilitative strategies. New York: Routledge.
- Mincy, R. B., & Pouncy, H. D. (2004). Child support enforcement and family stability. Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, 23(4), 761-774.
- Taxman, F. S., Young, D., & Byrne, J. M. (2014). Probation and parole supervision strategies. Springer.
- Thomas, A., Schueller, A., & Kermit, M. (2017). Family interventions for offender populations. Journal of Family Psychology, 31(6), 747-757.
- Williams, B. A., & Moyer, E. (2018). Substance use and mental health in criminal justice populations. Psychiatric Services, 69(3), 298-305.
- Weiss, R., & Friedman, S. (2016). Violence prevention strategies in high-risk populations. Journal of Behavioral Health, 4(2), 107-115.