Adult Forensics   Department of Mental Health evaluates the mental health of individuals referred to the department through the criminal justice system and treats them at Saint Elizabeths Hospital. The forensic mental health services provided by DMH include pretrial services and post-trial services. Pretrial services assess whether an individual is competent to stand trial on criminal charges, was mentally ill when the offense was committed, and whether mental illness affected his or her behavior so much that he or she should not be held criminally responsible. DMH also assesses what kind of treatment should be given if the person has been found legally incompetent. Post-trial services include the care and treatment of patients found not guilty by reason of insanity. Care and treatment also are provided to patients from other correctional facilities who need temporary treatment in a secure environment. Post-trial services focus on helping patients recover from their mental illness to no longer be a danger to themselves and others. As recovery progresses, patients are treated in increasingly less secure wards and are given an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to use this freedom in appropriate ways.