Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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The development of a screening tool for individuals with possible learning needs
- Author:
- CLULEY Emma
- Journal article citation:
- Probation Journal, 66(1), 2019, pp.141-142.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Learning disability is distinct from specific learning disabilities or learning difficulties that can refer to a variety of disorders that impact upon understanding, retention of information or verbal and non-verbal information, for example dyslexia. It is thought that between 20 and 30 per cent of the prison population have some form of learning difficulty that affects their ability to cope in the Criminal Justice System (CJS). This study considered the development of a screening tool to assist with identifying learning needs using information from the Offender Assessment System (OASys). The aim of the research was to help identify the extent of people with intelligence quotients (IQs) of less than 80 and those with learning difficulties who might struggle in prison or in serving a community sentence. The purpose was to assist with identifying individuals who might require further assessment or support. The sample included 2232 males who had been convicted of sexual offences and were serving a custodial sentence. The IQ information was obtained from the previous learning-based assessments that had been undertaken. Of the sample 20 per cent had an IQ of 79 or less; 80 percent had an IQ of 80 or more; 7.2 per cent had an IQ score of 69 or less. Mild disability is often viewed as an IQ of below 70. (Publisher abstract)
Screening for learning disabilities in the criminal justice system: a review of existing measures for use within liaison and diversion services
- Authors:
- SILVA Daniel, GOUGH Karen, WEEKS Hannah
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 6(1), 2015, pp.33-43.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: At present, there are significant limitations to the criminal justice system’s (CJS) ability to respond appropriately to detainees or defendant with learning disabilities (LD). The development of Liaison and Diversion Services has provided the opportunity to more easily identify people with LD in the CJS through the use of screening assessments. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to consider why there is a need for screening assessments and review the literature on existing measures, in order to consider the next steps to develop a more effective pathway from the CJS to LD services. Design/methodology/approach: This paper takes the form of a literature review. Findings: The review found that there is a significant body of research defending the need for LD screening in the CJS across the UK. The aim of a screening process would be to identify individuals who possibly have LD and ensure that the correct measures are in place to assess and manage these individuals, including appropriate diversion to specialist LD services. The learning disability screening questionnaire (LDSQ) is an instrument that could be utilised in these instances and could be carried out by Liaison and Diversion Services. Research limitations/implications: Neither of the tools reviewed in this paper have been vigorously field tested within forensic settings in the UK. It is recommended that there should be trials of the LDSQ as a screening tool within Liaison and Diversion Services with comparison against outcomes of full diagnostic assessments for LD. Originality/value: Screening for LD is being discussed across the UK as part of Liaison and Diversion Services. This paper highlights the need for a reliable and valid screening tool and provides support for the use of the LDSQ. (Publisher abstract)
The blurred edges of intellectual disability
- Authors:
- WILLIAMS Val, SWIFT Paul, MASON Victoria
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Society, 30(5), 2015, pp.704-716.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
The label of ‘intellectual disability’ can be a very blurred concept, because for those on the borders their label often arises from the interaction of the individual with their environment, from their socio-economic status, and from the social role which they choose to undertake. This paper explores the contested notion of intellectual disability in the context of two people who have been in trouble with the law in England. It contrasts the situation of people who have been protected by best interests decisions under the Mental Capacity Act (England and Wales), with people who are on the ‘borderline’ of having an intellectual disability. Drawing on the notions of ‘interactional’ disability theory, the authors reflect on the shifting, relative nature of intellectual disability, and the need for the law to focus on support needs, rather than on impairment. (Edited publisher abstract)
Diversion, a hidden hazard?
- Authors:
- CREAMER Anne, SIMPSON Murray
- Journal article citation:
- SCOLAG Journal, 277, November 2000, pp.8-10.
- Publisher:
- ScoLAG(Scottish Legal Action Group)
Discusses the policy of diverting people with learning difficulties from the formal criminal justice process unless it is not in the public interest to do so. This article looks at diversion policy, highlights some of the dilemmas it poses and asks whether it is always in the individuals best interest.
Revealing the training on intellectual and developmental disabilities among forensic mental health professionals: a survey report
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 8(4), 2017, pp.176--87.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to assess the training forensic mental health professionals in the USA receive on intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Given the difficulties obtaining accurate prevalence rates of these disabilities in criminal justice settings, it is important to understand how these disabilities are being evaluated and the level of understanding about these disabilities evaluators hold. Design/methodology/approach: An online survey was distributed to forensic mental health professionals in the USA that included questions on training opportunities in graduate education, post-graduate forensic training, and professional training opportunities. Participants were also asked about their current work, how they assess I/DD, and their estimates on the percentage of cases they see with I/DD. Findings: Respondents reported some training that focused heavily on assessment methods. Most respondents estimated between 5 and 25 percent of their cases involving I/DD and reported using a wide range of assessment methods. Finally, many respondents reporting more training needed in this area. Practical implications: More training is needed for forensic mental health professionals on identifying I/DD. Additionally, professional guidelines on what tools and methods to rely on to identify these disabilities is paramount to ensure homogeneity of methods and, thus, better estimates of overall prevalence in criminal justice settings. Originality/value: This is the first assessment focused on how forensic mental health professionals are trained to identify I/DD and can be used to improve identification of I/DD in forensic settings. (Publisher abstract)
Developing a framework for the identification of criminogenic needs in offenders with intellectual disability and personality disorder: the Treatment Need Matrix
- Author:
- TAYLOR Jon
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 8(1), 2014, pp.43-50.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The criminogenic needs and psychological vulnerabilities of offenders with intellectual disability (ID) has only recently received attention within the academic literature. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of an approach to identifying such needs in order to inform treatment planning and service delivery. Design/methodology/approach: The paper describes the methods employed to identify relevant psychological variables for this population, provides an overview of the framework and describes the practices employed to establish the relevance of a range of criminogenic needs. Findings: A range of psychological variables derived from a systematic literature review are presented in the context of an assessment framework. Research limitations/implications: The Treatment Need Matrix (TNM) is currently an experimental framework for identifying the needs of offenders with ID (and personality disorder (PD)). Further research is needed to establish the reliability and validity of the tool. Practical implications: The TNM offers clinicians a practical methodology for determining the significance of a range of psychological variables cited in the literature as relevant treatment targets for offenders with IDs. Originality/value: The specific criminogenic needs of offenders with ID (and PD) has received little attention within the academic and research communities. This paper offers a novel approach to the identification. (Publisher abstract)
People with an intellectual disability in the criminal justice system: developing an assessment tool for measuring prevalence.
- Authors:
- MASON Jonathan, MURPHY Glynis
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 41(3), September 2002, pp.315-320.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The objective of this article is to develop a screening tool to detect those who may have intellectual or borderline intellectual disabilities in criminal justice system. Items for a screening tool were derived using a discriminant analysis procedure measuring IQ and other factors.
'Dangerous people': reasoned proposals or rhetoric?
- Author:
- -
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Learning Disabilities for Nursing Health and Social Care, 3(4), December 1999, pp.183-184.
This editorial discusses the government's announced proposals to deal with 'dangerous people' who present a risk to the public. The proposals will be a departure from current legislation, which recommends that people suffering from mental disorders should not be drawn into the criminal justice system unnecessarily. It could allow the Court to compulsorily detain any person with a severe personality disorder and who present a risk to the public, regardless of whether they have committed a criminal offence. Discusses the problems with this approach.
The independent review of learning disability and autism in the Mental Health Act: final report
- Authors:
- ROME Andrew, EVANS Catherine, WEBSTER Simon
- Publisher:
- Independent Review of the Mental Health Act Scotland
- Publication year:
- 2019
- Pagination:
- 176
- Place of publication:
- Edinburgh
The final report of an independent review into the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003, which was commissioned by the Scottish Government. The review covered: the operation of the 2003 Act and whether it was serving people with autism and intellectual disability well; the increasing the role of psychologists in relation to the Act; the definition of mental disorder under the 2003 Act in relation to learning disabilities and autism; how the Act interacted with the criminal justice system, and the use of psychotropic medication. The review heard from a wide range of people and aimed to give equal value to the views and evidence of people with lived experience and professionals. The report recommends legal and practical changes which can reduce or remove the discrimination that autistic people and people with intellectual disability have experienced under the current Mental Health Act. These included for the Scottish parliament to introduce new legislation and to establish a new commissioner to safeguard the rights of people with autism or learning difficulties. (Edited publisher abstract)
Adolescents with learning disabilities who show sexually inappropriate or abusive behaviours: development of a research study
- Authors:
- FYSON Rachel, EADIE Tina, COOKE Pam
- Journal article citation:
- Child Abuse Review, 12(5), September 2003, pp.305-314.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This paper sets out some key issues regarding sexual abuse perpetrated by adolescents with a learning disability. The limited evidence currently available is largely anecdotal or from small-scale/case studies, but emphasizes that much behaviour of this kind never comes to the attention of either statutory social services or the criminal justice system. It is argued here that statutory services should be involved in such cases in order both to protect potential victims and to improve the ongoing life chances of alleged perpetrators. Specifically, it is posited that only by naming this problem can professionals hope to make effective interventions. The various organizational structures and systems adopted by four social services departments are outlined and their possible impacts on case outcomes are discussed. Little empirical research has so far been undertaken in this highly sensitive area, but an initiative from The Ann Craft Trust (formerly NAPSAC) aims to provide new evidence to help shape future best practice in this field.