People with Intellectual and Developmental Disorders in the United Kingdom Criminal Justice System

Abstract

This review aims to describe the way in which people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) are treated within the criminal justice system (CJS) in the United Kingdom (UK). The relevant empirical literature and national reports are reviewed, and the current care model for offenders with IDD described. The care of people with IDD within the CJS is relatively advanced in UK; however, offenders with IDD experience difficulties at all stages. This includes engagement with police and the courts, accessing adapted therapies, and after discharge from inpatient care or release from custody. This review highlights a number of strengths of the existing model of care, as well as ongoing challenges. Care of people with IDD within the CJS is highly political, and many aspects of the current model operate according to government policy, based upon charitable or independent review evidence, rather than empirical research. Further research on people with IDD in the CJS is urgently needed, to fully understand the factors related to treatment outcomes.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; Autistic disorder; Intellectual disability; Mental disorders; Neurodevelopmental disorders.