NCJ Number
132731
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 13 Issue: 3 Dated: (September-October 1988) Pages: 1,6-10
Date Published
1988
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Learning disabilities, which are difficult to identify and define, can lead to problems for inmates in adult correctional facilities and juvenile institutions. The incidence of learning disabilities and illiteracy is so high among offenders that some professionals have suggested that education may be one way of reducing the prison population.
Abstract
This phenomenon is explained in several ways: failure in school can lead to delinquency; persons with learning disabilities are more likely to be arrested and sentenced for their offenses; and the learning disabled are less able to understand and deal with social situations. Inmates with these problems are more likely to be disciplined, more likely to be abused by other inmates, and less likely to successfully complete parole or qualify for community programs. Although the learning disabled are the most underserved prison population, several studies have demonstrated that prevention, diversion, and rehabilitation programs can break the link between learning disabilities and the criminal justice system. Individualized special education has lowered recidivism rates among learning disabled juvenile offenders. Experts urge correctional managers to focus on community resources, human relations, and jobs when dealing with learning disabled offenders.