What Is The Psychiatric Security Review Board?
The Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB) is a state agency to which the Superior Court commits persons who are found not guilty of a crime by reason of mental disease or mental defect. These individuals are called "acquittees." The PSRB’s responsibility is to review the status of acquittees through an administrative hearing process and order the level of supervision and treatment for the acquittee necessary to protect the public. The Board is governed by Connecticut General Statutes, Sections 17a-580 through 17a-603.
The PSRB, at the time of commitment, takes jurisdiction over the acquittee and decides which hospital an acquittee is to be confined and when and under what circumstances an acquittee can be released into the community.
The Board carries out this responsibility by the review of six month reports on the acquittee and by conducting hearings on a two year basis or at such time the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Department of Developmental Services, the conditional release supervisor, the provider of treatment or the acquittee applies to the Board for a change in status.
The general findings and orders that the PSRB issues are: confinement in a maximum security facility, confinement in a hospital for the mentally ill or placement with the Commissioner of Developmental Services, approval of temporary leave, approval of conditional release with specific conditions, modification or termination of conditional release, recommendations for discharge or continued confinement to the court.
The Board is composed of six members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by either house of the General Assembly. The board members are designated to represent professional expertise in the fields of law, probation/parole services, psychology, psychiatry, victim services, and the interest of the general community.
The Mission
To protect the safety of Connecticut citizens and certain individuals by ordering appropriate treatment, confinement or conditional release of persons accused of crimes but found not guilty by reason of mental disease or mental defect.
Statutory Responsibility
The Psychiatric Security Review Board (the “Board”), through an administrative hearing process, determines the level of supervision and treatment for an acquittee deemed necessary to protect society. The Board takes jurisdiction over the acquittee and determines the level of confinement and circumstances under which an acquittee can be released into the community. The Board can order confinement in a maximum-security facility, approve temporary leave from a hospital setting, grant conditional release into the community and provide recommendations to the Superior Court in the matters of discharge from the Board and continued commitment.
Public Service
The general public is the beneficiary of the agency's work. During fiscal year 2008-2009, 159 persons were under the Board's jurisdiction. Seven persons were committed to the Board this fiscal year by the Superior Court. Nine individuals had their commitment terms extended by the Superior Court. Three individuals had their commitment terms expire, five individuals were discharged prior to the end of their commitment by the Superior Court, one individual expired and one individual had his commitment overturned.
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CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS |
|
Robert Berger, Esquire |
Chairman Attorney |
| Susan Blair, M.S., L.P.C. |
Public Member with Victim Advocacy Experience |
| Sylvia Cancela |
Public Member at Large |
| Howard Oakes, Psy.D. |
Psychologist |
| John Ryan, M.A. |
Expert in Probation/Parole Services |
| Justin Schechter, M.D. |
Psychiatrist |
