Evaluation of Sam Slick's Mental Health - Case Study Example

Forensic Assessment Introduction Sam Slick is a 20 years and five months old male birth: 06/ 15/92) whose race is Caucasian. He is currently charged with criminal trespass in the first degree (PC $ 140.7); Assault in the first degree (PC $ 120.10); Attempt murder (PC $ 110.05). The federal community requested for evaluation of mental health to assist the judge in determining Mr. Slick’s ultimate sentence. Procedure Sam Slick was evaluated on 22nd November 2012 and the evaluation began at 10:30 pm. This took place in the NYC prison. The evaluators were Wolbransky and PSY 370-50 Class. Among the testing measures was the standard screening instrument of for symptoms of emotional and mental disorder experienced currently and when the offence took place (BSI), an objective measure of risk and needs relevant information to treatment planning of the offenders and assigning freedom level and supervision. One of the clinical and legal issues that were evaluated included treatment and rehabilitation needs. These are educational and vocational training, substance abuse, anger and impulse control, participation in social activities, problem solving skills and decision making, and motivation for treatment. The other clinical issue that was evaluated was mental state at the time of offence. An interview was also conducted with Sam Slick’s grandmother, Gloria Grant on 26th November 20012. This took place from 4:30 pm and lasted for 1 hour. Before the evaluation was done, Mr. Sam Slick was notified about the purpose of the evaluation and its confidential limits. Mr. Sam Slick understood the purpose of forensic evaluation. The purposes of evaluation seemed to be simple to him in the way he responded to our questions. He therefore agreed to be interviewed after understanding the need of the evaluation. Relevant History Historical information was obtained from the collateral sources as well as from Mr. Sam Silk and his grandmother. Family History The presence of his parents, their attention and consistency tell a lot about the behavior of Sam Silk. To begin with, the father was partially present when he was young although he appeared to be mean. The father had a habit of drinking a lot and hit them. Since then, they never met. He has stayed for almost ten years without meeting his father. He stayed with his mom. His dad used to hit his mom. The relationship of his mother and father was not healthy. Getting food in their family was a problem. He used to get food for his brother from school. Sam’s older brother is called Kelvin. Kelvin is older six years, he has a different dad but Sam does not know him. The father helped Sam when Sam was young but he later disappeared. Sam explained that the father was arrested. The father is now out and still hangs around with peers and is a drug addict. His brother stays close to his grandmother and is smart. The brother is still pursuing a diploma in school. The moved for three times out of the house. First they moved out of the house and left their dad. However, their mother said that their dad left them. When Sam was eight, they moved to stay with their mom’s friend called Jeanie at her apartments. They later got their apartment when he was eight years old. His grandmother later came to live with them. They faced physical abuse from their father when he got drunk. Their mom got hit too but Sam could not help her. Sam had been in a relationship since he had a girlfriend. However the relationship was not serious, and nothing much happened. Education Sam went to one elementary school. They moved when he was in elementary school but he had to finish in the same school. He school in two middle schools. This was because they had to leave their apartment and live with the grandmother since their mother was not there to take care of them anymore. He went to one high school. School life was challenging as a result of poor attendance by the mother and this made Sam miss very many classes. In high school, they were involved in two fights as a group. He often went to special classes although he missed many classes. The highest grade Sam has attained is GED. Vocational Sam has been in many jobs such as under the table jobs, car washes, corner store, and in construction. He has not done any job for six months and he said that it is not easy to get jobs. In future, Sam wished to become a graphic designer and a welder. He is interested in playing basketball, hanging out and video games. Medical and mental health/ clinical diagnoses He has ever gone for therapy and he explained that the court made him go to therapy for a few months. No prescription medication was found. In the family history his mom suffered back pain and spent many hours and days in bed at home. Sam was involved in drug and alcohol abuse before, when he was hanging out with guys. He drank bear and smoke, but just little amount. He also used to sell drugs before. The father was an alcoholic and the brother smoked weed. Description of Mr. Sam’s various charges In March 2006, he was charged with theft. He said that the family did not have food or any money. The disposition was probation, community service and paid the store back for the food. In 2007, he was also caught hanging around with friends but he did not get into trouble. In 2008, Sam together with friend were selling drugs and involving in fights and this made him go on probation. All these issues indicate that Sam is a criminal and stealing is habit to him. Mental Status/Psychiatric Examination Sam was interviewed about his relationship with the co-defendant prior to alleged offense. He said that he was hanging around with few friends who he has been trying to avoid, since when he was arrested for having drugs. The guys were nice according Sam and good to hang around with. He said that he received beating from his old friend and Jim. The group of friends discussed on how it is hard to get jobs these days. After the discussion they agreed to steal electronic equipment and sell it for money. They also discussed that the store would be paid by insurance and everything would be okay. He was convinced by Jim and friends that it would be so easy to steal the equipment. Sam found it was making sense and he agreed. Sam Slick’s grandmother confirmed that she lives with Sam in her apartments. The older grandmother also confirmed that Sam struggled in school and had a hard time. The grandmother also confirmed that Sam went to different schools since they moved around so much. She also confirmed her son who was Sam’s father was not good and they had to move away from him. The grandmother said that Sam is not quick to learn and do not make friends easily. She also confirmed that their performance in school was affected by lack parental care; they had to care for themselves. The old grandmother said that Sam tried working in different places but did not maintain the job for long. She advised Sam to start trading but Sam did not find sense in that. According to her, Sam was affected by peer pressure from friends in the street. The grandmother said that Sam doesn’t take drugs or alcohol but did not want to defend him since he usually goes out. She said that Sam has been arrested several times since he missed school a lot. She recalled when Sam store food for his brother from the store. They hang out early that evening while drinking and smoking waiting for the stores to be closed. They then broke into the store and as they were going out, Sam was shot by the gun. He argued that he was forced to participate in stealing this totally confused him. Since he did not want more trouble, he waited for the police to catch him. Mr. Sam Slick hoped that the guy who hut him was okay and apologized for all what happened. The grandmother said that Sam was wrong since he went to help Jim steal that equipment without bearing in mind the consequences of theft. She said that she did not know about the gun and he never hurt anybody. The grandmother concluded that Sam is naturally a good boy. She said that although he is grown up, she could not tell how Sam keeps getting himself in such situations. Psychological test The following tests were administered; 1. Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) The results of the test showed that he had an IQ of 62 which is low intellectual functioning range. Compared to his friends, Sam is in the first percentile which is extremely low. 2. The Wide Range Achievement Test, 4th Edition (WRAT-4) – a standard test of current functioning in relevant academic areas He had deficit in reading of the words, sentence comprehension, and spelling. He scored 3rd grade in all these. His results are below current grade level and Sam should therefore, be considered during remediation. He admitted that his attention was low during childhood but he did not receive any special care. 3. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) diagnostic criteria checklist He had six symptoms of inattention, three symptoms of impulsivity, and four symptoms of hyperactivity. Medical intervention is needed in the area. 4. Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) – a standard screening instrument for symptoms of mental and emotional disorder experienced; Mr. Slick completed this measure twice, (a) once regarding his current presentation and (b) the other regarding his presentation at the time of the offense. The results generally indicated that he was distressed in most areas. 5. Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (LS/CMI) –measure of needs and risks information relevant to offender treatment planning and assigning levels of freedom and supervision. The score is in the low risk category of people. 6. Primary Care Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Screen (PC-PTSD) - a four-item test used to screen for PTSD The results were negative. However, Sam Slick had experienced traumatic events and consequences that were negative in the events. 7. Validity Indicator Profile (VIP) – a measure of effort and motivation. Sam had a tendency of responding consistently. He gives up easily according to the results. 8. The MMPI-2-2RF, a measure of personality and clinical functioning, was attempted; however, Mr. Slick was unable to complete the assessment. It was assumed that it is more than optimal. Summary and Opinions Mr. Sam Slick said that he was drinking and smoking at the time of the offence. He stated that he has been arrested several times on different cases. He expressed feeling of regret and fear. Psychological results show that he had mental impairment and nobody cared for him in the early age. He stated that he did not want to help his friend since he did not want trouble. He hoped that the guy who was short by his friend is okay and felt sorry. It is very clear that his social background contribute to a great extent to his behaviors. Conclusion Although Sam has different mental impairment, none of them can affect his capacity to understand that involving in such behaviors is wrong and is unlawful. However, the social background of Sam should be considered since it has contributed to his bad behaviors. His historical background shows that he ever abused drugs and this is another factor that should be used to rule out. He would benefit from group psychotherapy and a consultant with a psychiatrist for medication and its possible implementation. The result can conclude that the law should not compromise with Mr. Sam Slick. Read More