Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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Assessing fitness to plead in Scotland's learning disabled
- Authors:
- BREWSTER Eleanor, WILLOX Elizabeth G., HAUT Fabian
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology (The), 19(4), December 2008, pp.597-602.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
The authors reviewed 139 pre-trial psychiatric court reports from learning disability services within Scotland to consider the appropriate application of case law in determining fitness to plead. Of the reports in the sample, 40% correctly applied the test. Fitness to plead was not discussed at all in 9.3%. Almost 8% of the sample were assessed as unfit to plead, with all of this sub-group having had both criteria considered to determine their fitness to plead. This sub-group all had a mild or moderate learning disability with only one dual diagnosis. This would seem to indicate that evidence of a learning disability is in itself sufficient to require consideration of the accused's fitness to plead as directed by Scottish case law.
The impact of known criminogenic factors on offenders with intellectual disability: previous findings and new results on ADHD
- Authors:
- LINDSAY William R., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 26(1), 2013, pp.71-80.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
It is well established that child development factors are important in relation to the development of criminal behaviour. Research on developmental risk factors for offenders with intellectual disability has found similar trends. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder are developmental disorders known to be over-represented among criminal populations when compared to the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which ADHD affects the presentation of offenders with intellectual disability. The data was drawn from the Northumbria/Cambridge/Abertay Pathways (NCAP) Project. Information related to index behaviour, history of problem behaviours, childhood adversity and psychiatric diagnoses was recorded in 477 adults who had been referred to forensic intellectual disability services. Comparisons were made between those with a previous diagnosis of ADHD and those without. The findings showed that the ADHD group had higher proportions of physical aggression, substance use, previous problems including aggression, sexual offences and property offences, birth problems and abuse in childhood. The article concludes that ADHD with conduct disorder is associated with a greater degree and history of problematic behaviour in offenders with intellectual disability.
Referral patterns for offenders with intellectual disability: a 20-year study
- Authors:
- LINDSAY William, HAUT Fabian, STEPTOW Lesley
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology (The), 22(4), August 2011, pp.513-517.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Following deinstitutionalisation, research has demonstrated that people with intellectual disability living in the community have had increased involvement with the criminal justice system. This study reports a 20-year review of the referral patterns of offenders with intellectual disability referred to a community forensic intellectual disability service. The participants consisted of 309 consecutive referrals from 1987-2008 to a community service for offenders with intellectual disability in Scotland. Three categories of referral were included: from the court, criminal justice, or probation service; from the community team, including community nurses and social workers; or from another source, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. The findings show significant increases across time periods in referrals from criminal justice services and significant decreases from community services. These results suggest changes in society whereby the courts are becoming more comfortable with defendants with intellectual disability and services more willing to involve the police when there are incidents of offending behaviour.
Treatment of women with intellectual disabilities who have been involved with the criminal justice system for reasons of aggression
- Authors:
- ALLEN Ronald, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 14(4), 2001, pp.340-347.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
While there has been an increase in research into offenders with intellectual disabilities (IDs), most of this work has been in relation to men who offend. This article investigates some of these issues with regard to five women with IDs. All the subjects had been referred to the service for assessment and treatment for reasons of aggression. All were treated using anger management training. All of the women responded to treatment and data is available for periods between 2.5 and 8 years following the initial referral. The results are discussed in terms of general issues on offending specific issues of treatment and specific issues for the women.
A comparison of physical and sexual abuse: histories of sexual and non-sexual offenders with intellectual disability
- Authors:
- LINDSAY William R., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Child Abuse and Neglect, 25(7), July 2001, pp.989-995.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
Reviews patterns of physical and sexual abuse in cohorts of sexual offenders and nonsexual offenders with intellectual disability. Forty-six sexual offenders were compared with 48 male nonsexual offenders in relation to their experiences of sexual and physical abuse in childhood. Comprehensive assessments were taken over a period of at least one year, and were conducted independently by a range of professionals. Found that thirty-eight percent of the sexual offenders and 12.7% of the nonsexual offenders had experienced sexual abuse, while 13% of the sexual offenders and 33% of the nonsexual offenders had experienced physical abuse. Concludes that sexual abuse seems a significant variable in the history of sexual offenders while physical abuse seems a significant variable in the history of nonsexual offenders. The results support the view that the "cycle of abuse" is neither inevitable nor an adequate explanation of future offending.
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.
The needs of people with mild learning disabilities within the Scottish criminal justice system: a qualitative study of healthcare perspectives
- Authors:
- MEDISENI Fellex, BROWN Michael
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 6(3/4), 2015, pp.175-186.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify and explore the views and experiences of specialist learning disability health service professionals regarding the management of and support offered to people with learning disabilities when they come into contact with the Scottish criminal justice system (CJS). Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative design was adopted for this study due to the limited existing evidence in the area and the need to start to build and develop understanding of the phenomena under study. A purposive sampling procedure was used to select participants from an accessible population within one Scottish NHS Health Literature review, qualitative research, semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. Findings: The findings identified three key themes challenges in practice; the need for additional resources; and the ability of services to provide management and support. (Edited publisher abstract)
Am I there yet? The views of people with learning disability on forensic community rehabilitation
- Authors:
- DAVIS Alana, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 6(3/4), 2015, pp.148-164.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Previously, diversion from the criminal justice system for people with learning disability and serious forensic needs in Scotland meant hospitalisation. More recently new legislation has meant that community-based rehabilitation is possible for this group. The purpose of this paper is to qualitatively explore the views of people with learning disabilities subject to these legal orders. This is both a chance to work in partnership to improve services and also to make the voices of this potentially vulnerable group heard. Design/methodology/approach: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten participants subject to a community-based order. All participants were male. Ages, index behaviour, and time spent on order varied. The data was transcribed and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Findings: The main themes which emerged from the data were a taste of freedom, not being in control, getting control back, loneliness, and feeling like a service user. Participants described positives about community-based rehabilitation but also a number of negatives. Practical implications: Participant accounts suggest that the current community rehabilitation model has some shortcomings which need to be addressed. Suggestions are made for improvements to the current model relating to: achieving clarity over the role of support staff and pathways out of the system; increasing opportunities for service users to voice concerns; empowering staff teams via extensive training and supervision; and directly addressing internalised stigma to promote community integration. (Edited publisher abstract)
Making a difference? Ten years of managing people with intellectual disability and forensic needs in the community
- Authors:
- DE VILLIERS Jana, DOYLE Michael
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 6(3/4), 2015, pp.165-174.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Nationally community services for patients with intellectual disability and forensic needs are limited, and research to guide service development for this patient group with highly complex needs is sparse. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of referrals to and case management by the multi-agency Fife Forensic Learning Disability Service (FFLDS), including demographic data, treatment, risk assessments and outcomes. Design/methodology/approach: All referrals received between 2004 and 2014 were reviewed to identify key demographic factors and to clarify the outcome of the referrals. Risks levels and presence of factors related to ongoing risk management were identified. For those accepted, final outcomes were noted. Findings: In total, 145 referrals were received by FFLDS between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2014. Of these 117 were accepted for ongoing case management. In total 106 patients were discharged from FFLDS over the review period, with the vast majority remaining in community settings. Patients were overwhelmingly male, with an age range of 16-79 (mean age of 30). Approximately half of referrals were from criminal justice agencies, and sexual and violent offences predominated. Alcohol and/or illicit substance use was problematic in 49 per cent of patients. Research limitations/implications: FFLDS needs to consider building links with Drug and Alcohol Services, for assistance in developing expertise in managing problematic alcohol and/or illicit substance use. Links with professionals working with female offenders may increase the rate of referral of female patients. Originality/value: Policy and legal frameworks emphasise the need to manage people with learning disabilities and forensic needs in the least restrictive environment possible. This paper provides information on a cohort of forensic patients over a ten-year period, including characteristics and outcomes, to inform the evaluation of these frameworks and the planning of both community and in-patient services for this patient group. (Publisher abstract)
Social work law in Scotland
- Authors:
- FABB Janet, GUTHRIE Thomas G
- Publisher:
- Butterworths
- Publication year:
- 1997
- Pagination:
- 341p.
- Place of publication:
- Edinburgh
Provides a clear outline of the legal framework within which social work operates in Scotland and is aimed primarily at those with no previous knowledge of the law. Begins with a general introduction to legal terminology and procedure and goes on to discuss different areas of law, including: housing, benefits, debt recovery, and discrimination. Also takes into account the Children(Scotland)Act 1995. Concludes with a chapter on professional responsibility and accountability.