CETT for Inclusive Learning

Prisoners' Voices: Experiences of the criminal justice system by prisoners with learning disabilities and learning difficulties 

This new report presents the findings of a major survey of prisoners with learning disbilities and learning difficulties, which explored their experiences of the criminal justice system.

Police responses to suspects with learning disabilities and learning difficulties: a review of policy and practice

Recent research published by the Prison Reform Trust, shows that people with learning difficulties are being let down by the police. Police safeguards for dealing with suspects with learning disabilities were "patchy and inconsistent" and increase the likelihood of miscarriages of justice.

Identifying and supporting prisoners with learning difficulties and learning disabilities: the views of prison staff in Scotland

Research by the Prison Reform Trust shows that people with a learning disability in prisons in Scotland are not being identified. Many are also bullied, cut out of rehabilitation courses and most prison staff are not given the training or resources to deal with them.

Offenders with learning difficulties and learning disabilities - review of prevalence and associated needs 

This literature review brings together authoritative research on the prevalence and associated needs of offenders with learning difficulties and learning disabilities.  It demonstrates for the first time the vast hidden problem of high numbers of men, women and children trapped within the criminal justice system.

This summary highlights the fact that, regardless of precise numbers, many offenders have learning difficulties or learning disabilities that interfere with their ability to cope within the criminal justice system.

Identifying and supporting prisoners with learning difficulties and learning disabilities: the views of prison staff.

What is clear from this research is that people with learning difficulties and learning disabilities are not routiinely identified prior to arriving into prison and once in prison face a number of difficulties.  They are more likely to be victimised than other prisoners and are unable to access prison information routinely.

They are likely to receive inadequate levels of support of varying quality and, because of their impairments, will be excluded from certain activities and opportunities.  Their exclusion from offending behaviour programmes in particular makes it less likely that their offending behaviour will be addressed and more likely that they will return to prison again and again.

Hard copies are available from PRT, £10

The prevalance and associated needs of offenders with learning difficulties and learning disabilities

The literature review on which this briefing is based brings together authoritative research on the prevalence and associated needs of offenders with learning difficulties and learning disabilities.  The review demonstrates for the first time the vast hidden problem of high numbers of men, women and children with learning disabilities and difficulties trapped in the criminal justice system.

20-30% of offenders have learning difficulties or learning disabilities that interfere with their ability to cope within the criminal justice system.

Virtual Learning Environments: an evaluation of their development in a sample of education setting