A case study of an embedded system in prison to support individuals with learning difficulties and disabilities in the criminal justice system
| Pages | 112-124 |
| Date | 09 June 2015 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JIDOB-09-2015-0036 |
| Published date | 09 June 2015 |
| Author | Amanda Kirby,Lisette Saunders |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Learning & intellectual disabilities,Offending behaviour |
A case study of an embedded system in
prison to support individuals with learning
difficulties and disabilities in the criminal
justice system
Amanda Kirby and Lisette Saunders
Professor Amanda Kirby is
Chair of Developmental
Disorders in Education at
University of South Wales,
Wales, UK.
Lisette Saunders is Deputy
Director at G4S HMP and YOI
PArc, Bridgend, UK.
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to describe first the rationale for an embedded process for learning
difficulties and disabilities in the criminal justice system (CJS). This is followed by an example of how this
approach has been delivered in one offender setting. The use of a novel computerised assessment tool is
described, and the way it has been used to undertake the initial screening processes and provide person
centred guidance for staff and the individuals. The bio-psychosocial approach to supporting individuals
moving through the CJS is suggested as an approach that could be potentially used in other prisons settings.
The paper also highlights some of the current challenges in doing so.
Design/methodology/approach –This paper presents a review of the currently literature to provide
a rationale for the example of the embedded approach taken.
Findings –The approach, aligns to the challenges cited in much of the research.
Practical implications –The model presented can be used as a basis for potentially delivering such a
system in other prisons settings and to highlight areas that remain contentious.
Social implications –The embedded model represents a bio-psychosocial approach to supporting
individuals moving through the CJS so has important implications.
Originality/value –This is novel approach.
Keywords Intellectual disability, Screening, Autism Spectrum disorder, Bio-psychosocial, CJS, LDD
Paper type Case study
Background
Individuals as they travel through the criminal justice system (CJS) are required to understand
information given to them. This begins at the police custody suite, through the law courts and
within and beyond prison. Some of these individuals will have the ability to describe to others
their challenges or barriers to engagement, but for many their disabilities may be hidden,
misinterpreted, missed or misdiagnosed. In addition, the ability to describe how their challenges
may present may be hard, or hidden from others (Talbot, 2008). A proportion of these individuals
will have a diagnosis of a specific learning difficulty such as Dyslexia, an intellectual disability (ID)
or developmental disorder such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or
Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD). The term Learning Difficulties and Disabilities
(LDD) is a combined term that has been coined’however, its interpretation by what is included
within this category may vary.
Received 20 September 2015
Revised 24 October 2015
Accepted 27 October 2015
Professor Amanda Kirby is a CEO
of Do-IT Solutions and one of the
developers of the profiling tool
described. The author is also a
parent of an adult with DCD,
Dyslexia and ADHD.
PAGE112
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JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES AND OFFENDING BEHAVIOUR
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VOL. 6 NO. 2 2015, pp.112-124, © Emerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 2050-8824 DOI 10.1108/JIDOB-09-2015-0036
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