Nonattenders and attrition from a forensic psychology outpatient service

The authors examined 219 referrals to a forensic psychology outpatient service between 1989 and 1996. Factors including age of client, whether it was a first or subsequent referral, number of agencies previously involved and type of problem were examined to determine their relationship to the outcomes of nonattendance, early dropout, or completion of assessment/therapy. Type of problem for which the referral was made war found to be significant. with referrals for anger control carrying a poor prognosis for successful completion of therapy. Recommendations for the more effective functioning of the service were made.