Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 3 of 3
A critical review of current police training and policy for autism spectrum disorder
- Author:
- HEPWORTH Diana
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 8(4), 2017, pp.212-222.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to critically review the current police training and criminal justice policy regarding the treatment of suspects with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during the initial stages of the criminal justice system (CJS), and provide potential policy reform and areas for further research. Design/methodology/approach: By reviewing extant literature, research and policy documents, this paper provides a critical review of the current policy and training for dealing with suspects with ASD in the current CJS in England and Wales for suspects with ASD. Findings: This paper proposes that current policy and police staff training is insufficient during all initial stages of the criminal justice process. Although there are emerging policies and schemes which are promising, they require further research and national participation. Policy reform and improved training is required to ensure minimal opportunities for miscarriages of justice to those individuals with ASD. Originality/value: This paper provides a chronological journey through the initial stages of the CJS in England and Wales for a suspect with ASD, and the challenges that they may face. Suggestions are made based on criminological and psychological research to remedy the potential opportunities for miscarriages of justice. (Publisher abstract)
There to help: ensuring provision of appropriate adults for mentally vulnerable adults detained or interviewed by police
- Authors:
- BATH Chris, et al
- Publisher:
- National Appropriate Adult Network
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 88
- Place of publication:
- Ashford
Report to examine appropriate adults (AA) arrangements for vulnerable adults who are detained or interviewed by police, identify shortcomings in provision and present recommendations for ensuring full AA provision for all vulnerable adults. The project involved a review of existing literature and law; data collected from police forces, liaison and diversion services, AA services and custody officers; and interviews and consultation involving senior stakeholders and individuals with direct experience of the criminal justice system. The main findings identified significant shortcomings in current AA provision for mentally vulnerable adult suspects, particularly in terms of: inadequate police practices with respect to identification of suspects’ vulnerabilities and the need for AAs, and the recording of relevant data; limited availability of AAs; variable quality of AAs. It found that many vulnerable adults did not receive the support of an AA or receive it only for part of the custody process. Barriers to the provision of adequate services included: the absence of statutory duties either to secure or to provide AAs for vulnerable adults; lack of appropriate training and screening tools for police; time pressures in the custody suite; diminishing public sector funding and a lack of clarity over responsibility for commissioning. The report makes 10 recommendations to improve the level and quality of provision. (Edited publisher abstract)
How do health and social care professionals in England and Wales assess mental capacity? A literature review.
- Authors:
- JAYES Mark, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, early cite 10 February 2019,
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- London
Purpose: To review evidence describing how health and social care professionals in England and Wales assess mental capacity, in order to identify ways to improve practice. Methods: A systematised literature review was completed. Electronic databases of published medical, health and social care research and gray literature were searched. Journal articles and research reports published between 2007 and 2018 were included if they met predefined eligibility criteria. Evidence from included studies was synthesised using thematic analysis. Results: 20 studies of variable methodological quality were included. The studies described assessments carried out by a range of multidisciplinary professionals working with different groups of service users in diverse care contexts. Four main themes were identified: preparation for assessment; capacity assessment processes; supported decision-making; interventions to facilitate or improve practice. There was a lack of detailed information describing how professionals provided information to service users and tested their decision-making abilities. Practice reported in studies varied in terms of its conformity to legal requirements. Conclusions: This review synthesised evidence about mental capacity assessment methods and quality in England and Wales and analysed it to suggest ways in which practice might be improved. (Edited publisher abstract)