Chapter 6 – Adult Classification

62090.13.2 Psychiatric Report Format

• Indicate in the first paragraph if this is the first, second, etc., report to the Board on this inmate, or if it is an addendum (less than nine months since the last evaluation).

• Indicate in the second paragraph the frequency of contact with the inmate, such as if they are under treatment and how long, or if it is a single contact for this report only. For the first report only, note any pertinent previous psychiatric history with a short digest of essential conclusions and treatment. Briefly summarize the inmate’s current development and progress, avoiding repetition of information available elsewhere in the inmate’s C-File or in previous evaluations.

• Briefly delineate, in the third paragraph, the present psychopathology supporting the diagnosis and prognosis which follow. Any previously reported psychiatric conclusion(s) shall be re-evaluated. Causative factors, self-understanding, attitudes, motivation for change, emotional stability, social identification, sincerity, and rehabilitation shall be commented on. A neurophysiological appraisal must be included if organicity is present. If drugs are being used for treatment, include the observed impact on the inmate’s current condition.

• The fourth paragraph shall indicate the psychiatric diagnosis(es) using standard nomenclature followed by lay term explanation, as necessary.

• Psychiatric Conclusions

  • The fifth paragraph shall include the evaluator’s best estimate of the inmate, based on psychiatric reasoning (not legal or administrative) in the following manner:

    • Be sure to note the reasons wherever possible.

    • Note the relationship of the diagnosed psychopathology to the criminal behavior.

• General Conclusions

  • During observation in the institution, the inmate has:

    • Psychiatrically improved slightly, moderately, or greatly.

    • Psychiatrically deteriorated slightly, moderately, or greatly.

    • Psychiatrically has shown no significant change.

  • No conclusions can be drawn because of insufficient time and observation by the reporter.

  • In a less controlled setting, such as return to the community, the inmate is:

    • Considered likely to continue improvement.

    • Considered likely to hold present gains.

    • Considered in all probability to deteriorate because of (list reasons).

  • In all cases of pedophilia and some other cases of unusually specific or direct relationship between psychopathology and crime, add the following:

    • Considered mentally (un)able to refrain from repetition of their offensive behavior.

• Suggested Actions

  • (Include only if applicable.) From a psychiatric standpoint, the inmate should:

    • Be continued in present rehabilitation program as continued benefit is likely. Note the recommended specific treatment prescription.

    • Be removed from special calendar because psychopathology is not significantly related to future criminal behavior and psychiatric opinion will not contribute to release decision.

  • When two or more favorable psychiatric reports with similar conclusions for release have been written, in the case of more difficult judgments, these reports must have been written by more than one examiner or reviewed by a psychiatric council.

  • When there have been repeated unfavorable psychiatric reports describing a stable mental condition which cannot be expected to change, the conditions under which parole would be possible or become possible must be spelled out. For example, in some cases, parole might be possible only to a supervised domicile program including psychiatric care. In recommending removal from psychiatric calendar because of repeated unfavorable reports, it must be recognized that release is prohibited and therefore, those changes that would make release possible should be indicated so that the Board will request re-evaluation when such changes do occur.

  • When the inmate should be considered for transfer to DMHDepartment of Mental Health (see Department of State Hospitals DSH) under PCPenal Code 2684 or DMHDepartment of Mental Health (see Department of State Hospitals DSH) inpatient/day treatment at CMFCalifornia Medical Facility, and it is anticipated that such treatment may result in the inmate being able to return to society; DMHDepartment of Mental Health (see Department of State Hospitals DSH), (if it accepts the transfer) will retain such inmates only as long as it is of benefit to the inmate.

• Parole and Release

  • If the inmate is to be paroled or released, consideration should be given to the following:

    • Violence potential outside a controlled setting in the past is considered to have been less than average, average, or greater than average and at present, is estimated to be decreased, increased, or the same. In this context, violence potential is equated with inflicting physical harm on others or great emotional harm, as by creating fear. Average violence potential is interpreted to mean the violence potential possessed by the average inmate.

    • Conditions of parole should include inpatient treatment, outpatient clinic, halfway house, no alcohol or other special attention/supervision needs as indicated.

    • If outpatient clinic is recommended, indicate if:

  • Mandatory for parole from institution.

  • Necessary as soon as possible after parole.

  • Merely desirable if available.

  • Inmates convicted of PCPenal Code 273A, Willful Cruelty Toward Child/Endangering Life, Limb or Health and PCPenal Code 273D, Inflicting Corporal Punishment Upon Child Resulting in Traumatic Injury, shall have a psychiatric evaluation to determine the extent of counseling which may be mandated as a condition of parole per PCPenal Code 3002.

  • Applicable cases shall be referred for an evaluation in sufficient time to enable the report to be completed and included with the Release Program Study (CDC Form 611), which is referred to the Division of Adult Parole Operations.

  • Drug therapy should be continued while the inmate is on parole. They should receive (name drug), in a dosage (amount), (number) times a day.

  • Recommendations to the classification committee (prior to release):

    • Indicate what the Post Board Classification Committee should do with the inmate if the inmate is denied parole.

    • If a parole date is set, indicate any recommendation(s) pertinent to the period remaining in the institution before parole such as:

      • A further psychiatric evaluation should be completed just prior to release.

      • Indicate the reasoning for all recommendations.