Scores of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community, performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific, are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best practices with consistent application. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science community. The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and exoneration. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States gives a full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and accreditation programs. While this book provides an essential call-to-action for congress and policy makers, it also serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies, criminal prosecutors and attorneys, and forensic science educators.

-- Uses the stress-adaptation model as its conceptual framework -- The latest classification of psychiatric disorders in DSM IV -- Access to 50 psychotropic drugs with client teaching guidelines on our website -- Each chapter based on DSM IV diagnoses includes tables with abstracts describing recent research studies pertaining to specific psychiatric diagnoses -- Within the DSM IV section, each chapter features a table with guidelines for client/family education appropriate to the specific diagnosis -- Four new chapters: Cognitive Therapy, Complementary Therapies, Psychiatric Home Health Care, and Forensic Nursing -- Includes critical pathways for working in case management situations -- Chapters include objectives, glossary, case studies using critical thinking, NCLEX-style chapter review questions, summaries, and care plans with documentation standards in the form of critical pathways -- The only source to thoroughly cover assertiveness training, self-esteem, and anger/aggression management -- Key elements include historic and epidemiologic factors; background assessment data, with predisposing factors/symptomatology for each disorder; common nursing diagnoses with standardized guidelines for intervention in care; and outcome criteria, guidelines for reassessment, evaluation of care, and specific medication/treatment modalities -- Special topics include the aging individual, the individual with HIV/AIDS, victims of violence, and ethical and legal issues in psychiatric/mental health nursing -- Includes information on the Mental Status exam, Beck depression scale, and Holmes & Rahe scale defense mechanisms criteria