The conceptual framework presented indicates that the key to preventing reoffending by adults with psychotic disorders is to involve them in interventions that target risk factors for reoffending. This includes active participation in treatment as well as adherence to a treatment regimen. This is most likely to occur when treatment techniques and goals match the needs and characteristics of the offender. A second component of the conceptual framework is a focus on factors linked to nonadherence to treatment regimens, since nonadherence to treatment requirements has been associated with violence and increased rates of arrest and incarceration among offenders with mental illness. The third component of the conceptual framework is a focus on issues that inhibit psychiatric treatment, such as arrest and incarceration rather than referral to medical services and hospitalization for treatment. This conceptual framework implies that combining legal supervisory and mandatory measures to facilitate entering and maintaining adherence to treatment is the approach most likely to prevent reoffending among psychotic offenders. 2 figures and 101 references