No Assumptions, Please

Forensic mental health researcher Anne Crocker, PhD, is tackling some of today's most challenging mental health policy questions. Not only is she breaking new ground in the fight for gender and cultural equality in Canada's mental health and legal systems, she's improving our overall quality of mental health care. Anne has been at the Douglas since 2002 and is Co-Director of the Douglas' Service, Policy and Population Health Research Theme. As a forensic mental health researcher, she deals with the branch of psychiatry that involves legal issues related to mental disorders.

Fighting for Rights

Anne is also turning heads on the national stage. In July 2008, she was appointed head researcher for Canada's National Trajectory Study on Criminal Responsibility. Her goal is to improve the process for deciding whether people imprisoned for a crime—and found not criminally responsible, due to a mental disorder— are still a threat to themselves or others. "There is no room for assumptions, based on a person's sex, culture, medical history, or other factors. Every person is different and deserves an impartial assessment, based on the latest data."

She explains, "Canada's criminal code was revised in 1992. It stated that individuals who were declared 'not criminally responsible on account of mental disorders' could not be detained indefinitely. It also stated that these individuals were guaranteed an annual review of their case. The study we're conducting now builds upon those gains, to ensure prisoners' rights are respected and society remains safe."

Anne has also been asked to evaluate Quebec's new Mental Health Court—created to help people who have a mental illness and commit minor crimes. The court helps people avoid the criminal justice system and receive mental health services. In addition, Anne sits on the Mental Health and Law Advisory Committee of the Mental Health Commission of Canada (www.mentalhealthcommission.ca). The Commission, presided over by the Honourable Michael Kirby, is creating a national mental health strategy, an anti-stigma campaign, and a knowledge exchange centre, with input from the advisory committees.

Hooked on Forensic Research

So where do Anne's passion and energy come from? She recalls, "I got hooked on forensic research at an early age. When I was 19, I took a summer job at the Institut Philippe-Pinel de Montréal, entering patients' files into a computer database for analysis—a job I continued during my undergraduate career. I liked asking questions, such as 'Why do some people with mental illness end up in the criminal justice system, instead of in the mental health system?' I liked the constant learning. And I liked the idea of conducting research that contributes to a more just society, especially for its most vulnerable citizens."

Getting the Word Out

Teaching is another way that Anne is changing society's view of mental illness. "In 2007, I developed the 'Current Issues in Forensic Mental Health' course at McGill University to teach students to think critically about what they read in the paper, in journals, online — everywhere they get their news. It's a great way to fight stigma, since it calls upon students to examine their assumptions about mental illness with a new, more critical, eye. I also speak to mental health advocacy groups and to organizations of people who have mental illness, to be sure they've got access to the latest information."

Although Anne is helping to bring about change on many levels, there is always more to do. "Did you know," she asks, "that Quebec has no specialized curriculum for forensic mental health training? None?"

No, Anne, we didn't know. But if it's on your "to do" list, it will surely get done. ? N.S.

In a Word or Two…

What words best describe mental illness?
A challenge that CAN be worked with.

What film has most influenced your thoughts on mental health?
Films by Woody Allen. He's got quirks, but he's hugely creative and brings people together.

How do you maintain a balanced lifestyle?
I credit my partner, a healthy social life, and hiking and going to the gym. I used to play hockey at a competitive level.

Who is doing outstanding work in destigmatizing mental illness?
Ellen Corin, PhD: she brings the human experience of mental illness to life in our research and is passionate about her work.

One word that describes the Douglas:
Community.