The identification, assessment, treatment, and community management of two distinct but overlapping criminal justice populations have mustered over the past two decades the increased interest of clinicians, researchers, policy-makers, and politicians: those with major mental illness and those who have committed a sexual offence. Although much is known about the clinical characteristics of
... [Show full abstract] offenders with major mental illness and best management of sex offenders, a body of research has only recently evolved that addresses the clinical, legal, and policy-related aspects regarding mentally ill sex offenders. This chapter examines the extant scientific literature on the co-occurrence of major mental illness and sexual offending, identifies knowledge gaps, and explores public policy and mental health responses and implications for clinical excellence and public safety.