Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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Personality disorder and offending in people with learning disabilities
- Author:
- TORR Jenny
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, 2(1), March 2008, pp.4-10.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This article reviews the literature on personality disorder in offenders with learning disabilities, using Medline, PsychoInfo and CINAHL databases, and search terms ‘offending’, ‘personality disorder and intellectual disabilities’, ‘learning disabilities’ and related terms. Methods of defining offending population, personality disorder and learning disabilities vary greatly, and few studies focus specifically on personality disorder, learning disability and offending. The definition of learning disability often encompasses both borderline learning disability and low average intelligence. Personality disorder, especially anti-social personality disorder, is prevalent in offenders with learning difficulties, but less than in the general population, and is associated with higher levels of security and poorer outcomes. The study concludes that there is a continuum of offenders with borderlines and mild learning disabilities, reflected in learning disability forensic services.
No one knows: offenders with learning difficulties and learning disabilities: the prevalence and associated needs of offenders with learning difficulties and learning disabilities
- Author:
- LOUCKS Nancy
- Publisher:
- Prison Reform Trust
- Publication year:
- 2007
- Pagination:
- 8p.
- Place of publication:
- London
No One Knows is a UK-wide programme led by the Prison Reform Trust that aims to effect change by exploring and publicising the experiences of people with learning difficulties and learning disabilities who come into contact with the criminal justice system. The programme runs until October 2008, it is supported by The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund and is chaired by the Rt Hon the Baroness Joyce Quin, former Prisons Minster for England and Wales. This briefing paper outlines a larger review of prevalence and associated needs compiled to provide background information for No One Knows.
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)
Women who use secure services: applying the literature to women with learning disabilities
- Author:
- FISH Rebecca
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Forensic Practice, 15(3), 2013, pp.192-205.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: This paper aims to review research of relevance to women with learning disabilities, focusing in particular on literature which is applicable to women with learning disabilities who use forensic services. Design/methodology/approach: Research involving women with learning disabilities over the past 30 years was sought out and reviewed, and literature relating to women living in locked wards (including those without learning disabilities) was focused upon. Related themes such as the BPD diagnosis, self injury, and aggression are explored. Findings: The author found very little research relating to women with learning disabilities who use secure services, particularly which included quotes from the women themselves. Research limitations/implications: The author recommends that more research in this area is needed, primarily research which includes the voices of women service users themselves. Originality/value – This paper will be relevant to all staff who work with women in secure services. (Publisher abstract)
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)
Experiences of prison inmates with autism spectrum disorders and the knowledge and understanding of the spectrum amongst prison staff: a review
- Author:
- ALLELY Clare
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 6(2), 2015, pp.55-67.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the research which has examined the link between autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and offending behaviour and the impact of prison on individuals with ASDs. Studies suggest that inmates with ASDs may be at an increased risk of bullying, confrontations, exploitation, anxiety and social isolation as a result of their ASD traits such as obsessions, social naivety and impaired empathy. Design/methodology/approach: An extensive review of the literature. Findings: The review identifies a modest amount of studies (n=4) which have explored the experience of individuals with ASD in prison and highlights that inmates with ASDs face a multitude of problems when they enter prison. Despite an extensive literature search only one study was identified which investigated the knowledge and understanding of ASDs amongst prison staff. Research limitations/implications: Further research is urgently needed to consider the specific problems faced by inmates with ASD, to identify how to make the prison environment safer and more supportive for inmates with ASD and how to reduce the likelihood of re-offending. Practical implications: This review highlights that, to date, there has been relatively little to guide service design in order to develop support services for individuals with ASD in prison. There has been a scarcity of studies investigating the effectiveness of various treatment models to target offending behaviour in individuals with ASD. Originality/value: This paper fulfils an identified need to study and identify the specific problems faced by inmates with ASD and to identify changes which are required to provide an environment in prison which is safer and more supportive. (Publisher abstract)
Therapeutic communities for people with intellectual disability and complex needs
- Authors:
- TAYLOR Jon, CROWTHER Simon, BRYANT Christian
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 9(3), 2015, pp.124-131.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe the use and value of therapeutic communities (TCs) in services for people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) and complex needs. Design/methodology/approach: A structured literature review of TC in ID services. Findings: TCs have been used in a range of in-patient services for people with IDs. Although outcome studies are scarce, those that exist offer promising indications of such service designs. Originality/value: TCs have seen a recent increase of interest in ID services. This paper provides an overview of these services and outlines the benefits that such a residential culture can offer for both service users and staff members. (Publisher abstract)
Adults with autism spectrum disorder and learning disability presenting with challenging behaviour: how tolerant should we be?
- Authors:
- RAGGI Cristian, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 4(1/2), 2013, pp.42-52.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Reporting to the police incidents of challenging behaviour displayed by inpatients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and learning disability (LD) represents an important but often controversial issue. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to this topic through a brief literature review and the presentation of a clinical case. Design/methodology/approach: Case study and literature review. Findings: The action of reporting to the police can be a useful tool within the therapeutic input provided to patients with ASD and LD who present with challenging behaviour. This can enable staff to feel legally supported, and can promote patients’ learning of social rules, in respect of their rights and duties. The clinical case highlighted that reporting to the police can be effective when it is part of a comprehensive, multi-professional therapeutic process. This should aim at directing patients towards rehabilitation rather than incarceration. This should also entail the identification of clear pathways and ongoing involvement of patients and families. Originality/value – Despite the relevance for clinical practice of the above debate, little has been published on this topic. This paper contributes to this discussion through the presentation of a clinical case and by describing how this issue was addressed within a secure inpatient setting. (Publisher abstract)
Psychotherapy for people with learning disabilities: creating possibilities and opportunities. A review of the literature
- Author:
- TAYLOR Jon
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Learning Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 1(3), October 2010, pp.15-25.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
People with learning disabilities have traditionally been denied access to a range of psychological therapies. Similarly, offenders with learning disabilities, particularly in prison settings, have largely been unable to access treatment strategies that are provided for offenders who do not have such disabilities. As a consequence these individuals are denied the opportunity to address their criminogenic needs or attend to their psychological welfare. This paper provides a brief exploration of the reasons and evidence for such practice, alongside the evidence that people with learning disabilities can successfully engage in psychotherapy. It is concluded that there is no evidence that would support the exclusion of people with disabilities from treatment options. Psychotherapeutic approaches with a strong evidence base for the general population can be routinely modified to increase their accessibility for people with learning disabilities.
The intellectually disabled offender: methodological problems in identification
- Author:
- MCBRIEN Judith
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 16(2), June 2003, pp.95-105.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Reliable evidence concerning the prevalence of intellectually disabled offenders that would inform the clinician's approach to the assessment and management of risk is in short supply. This paper aims to assist the clinician in interpreting the available evidence. A literature search was conducted for all years up to January 2003. Each study was first examined for the methods employed to define and measure intellectual disability. Then, the effect of this on prevalence estimates was considered. A wide range of methods has been used to ascertain the presence of intellectual disability - administrative definitions, psychiatric diagnosis, educational background, self-report and direct measurement of IQ and adaptive behaviour. Most studies reviewed used less than adequate ascertainment methods. Reliable answers to two key questions which offenders have intellectual disabilities and which people with intellectual disabilities offend, therefore remain elusive.