Expanding the Net: Suggestions for Forensic Mental Health Examiners on Identifying and Obtaining Third-Party Information

Abstract

ABSTRACT Identifying and assessing Third Party Information (TPI) is one of the distinguishing features and necessary elements of a Forensic Mental Health Assessment (Heilbrun, Warren, Rosenfeld, & Collins, 1994; Melton, Petrila, Poythress, & Slobogin, 1997; Nicholson & Norwood, 2000). Identifying potential sources of relevant data and learning how to obtain that information is important in forensic assessment accuracy. Most forensic mental-health examiners (FMHE) utilize TPI from traditional sources such as collateral interviews and medical/mental health records or documentation provided by the referral source. But, what else is available, and how do we get it? Heilbrun, Warren, and Picarello (2003) wrote an excellent chapter outlining the relevance of TPI in forensic assessment. They categorized TPI sources and discussed methods of determining accuracy of information, specifically primary and collateral interviews–with suggested strategies for improving accuracy. Heilbrun et al. (2003) stated that, “In some important respects, the forensic clinician is like an investigative journalist” (p. 82). To illuminate information-gathering strategies from multiple disciplines, the authors assembled an interdisciplinary group representing forensic psychology, law, and investigative journalism. This article is designed to build on the Heilbrun et al. foundation by giving specific suggestions on how to obtain information relevant to forensic practice.