Missing out: offenders with learning disabilities and the criminal justice system.

Easy summary • Sometimes people with learning disabilities get into trouble with the law. • They may be sent to prison. Or the judge may say they must do some special work in the community instead as punishment. • Sometimes people with learning disabilities who break the law do not go to court. They may be placed in a special hospital or unit instead. • We need more information about people with learning disabilities who break the law, so that they get the treatment they need. • Police, magistrates, judges, lawyers, probation officers and prison staff need better training. Then they will know how to help people with learning disabilities who get into trouble with the law. • Prison is not a very good place for people with learning disabilities. We need services which can help them near where they live, so they can stay out of trouble in the future. Whilst there has been an increase in research and clinical attention relating to the accused person or offender with a learning disability in the criminal justice system, some major areas require further inter-agency effort. These areas include: better identification of this group, increased education and training for criminal justice personnel, more opportunities for diversion from the criminal justice system, and better services in the community and secure units or prisons, to meet their needs. This paper reviews the current situation and literature in each of these important areas. It also refers to systems for improving recognition of the individual with a learning disability in the criminal justice system, better coordination between agencies and sharing of information and more education for police and other criminal justice agencies. The advantages and disadvantages of diversionary options are reviewed, along with other areas of need which must be addressed, including the individual’s physical and mental health, therapeutic interventions, specialist programmes, education and welfare services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]