Factors affecting length of stay on maximum security in a forensic psychiatric hospital

Forensic hospitals are responsible for both the custody and treatment of pa tients, including treatment that will minimize the risk of future violence to the community This study examined factors that affected length of stay ( LOS) in Maryland's only maximum-security forensic hospital for mentally ill patients who were adjudicated not criminally responsible (NCR)for serious violent crimes. The current study focused on the combined effects of demogr aphic, legal, and clinical variables on LOS in NCR patients who had been ap proved for transfer to a less restrictive environment to determine what if any, variables should be targeted for services during hospitalization. The results of the study indicated that, in addition to gender; history of empl oyment prior To the offense was the strongest predictor of LOS. Three other variables contributed less significantly to the prediction model. These fi ndings have programmatic implications for forensic psychiatric facilities t reating the seriously mentally ill.