Development and implementation of autism standards for prisons
| Date | 09 June 2015 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JIDOB-05-2015-0013 |
| Published date | 09 June 2015 |
| Pages | 68-80 |
| Author | Alexandra Lewis,Robert Pritchett,Clare Hughes,Kim Turner |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Learning & intellectual disabilities,Offending behaviour |
Development and implementation of
autism standards for prisons
Alexandra Lewis, Robert Pritchett, Clare Hughes and Kim Turner
Dr Alexandra Lewis is based at
Barnet, Enfield and Haringey
Mental Health NHS Trust,
London, UK.
Robert Pritchett and Clare
Hughes, both are based at
National Autistic Society,
London, UK.
Kim Turner is based at Barnet,
Enfield and Haringey Mental
Health NHS Trust, London, UK.
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to describe the experience of a southern English young offenders
institution in developing and implementing standards to improve awareness and care of prisoners with
autistic spectrum disorders (ASD).
Design/methodology/approach –Somecontextual factors driving the project are discussed, the multi-agency
process involved in the development andimplementation of thestandards is describedand recommendations
are made regarding implementation of the standardsin other settings.
Findings –It is expected that successful implementation of the standards will reduce the level of distress
and difficulty experienced by people with ASD who find themselves in custody, it will also improve the
prison’s ability to meet the needs of prisoners with ASD and thereby improve rehabilitation and reduce
any adverse impact on everyday operational processes. Demonstrating success in meeting the standards
will enable the prison to achieve accreditation by the National Autistic Society. In March 2015 the
prisons minister encouraged all prisons to follow this approach and this will have practice and resource
implications.
Originality/value –This paper describes a clear framework which prisons can use to work systematically
towards achieving good practice in addressing the needs of prisoners with ASD. It will enable prisons to meet
the duties imposed on them by the Autism Act, 2009 and the Equalities Act, 2010.
Keywords Standards, Criminal justice system, Autism, Autistic spectrum disorders, Prison,
Young offenders
Paper type General review
Introduction
Prison mental health services
Mental health disorders occurring amongst those in custody in England and Wales are generally
managed by multi-disciplinary mental health teams. These teams may be located within
the prison or be a service provided by community based mental health teams undertaking
“in-reach”.
In the past, prison mental health services were commissioned and provided by the Home Office
(former name of the Ministry of Justice) separately to the National Health Service’s community
services. However, these have been integrated within the NHS remit for the past 15 years. This
change in commissioning and provision was precipitated by the landmark Changing the Outlook
report (Department of Health, 2001) which introduced the “principle of equivalency”, establishing
that healthcare services provided within custodial settings should be of equal to standard to
those available outside. It explicitly stated that prison mental healthcare should meet the national
standards (National Service Framework) developed for mental health services in the wider
community (Department of Health, 1999).
Received 29 May 2015
Revised 29 September 2015
Accepted 30 September 2015
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JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES AND OFFENDING BEHAVIOUR
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VOL. 6 NO. 2 2015, pp.68-80, © Emerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 2050-8824 DOI 10.1108/JIDOB-05-2015-0013
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