NCJ Number
141217
Date Published
1992
Length
312 pages
Annotation
Australia uses both prisons and psychiatric hospitals for the control of social deviancy in intellectually disabled criminal offenders.
Abstract
The authors note that detention of the intellectually disabled may be inappropriate and counterproductive to general rehabilitative goals. Instead, they recommend the application of the principles of the least restrictive alternative as best for maximizing the normalization and integration of disabled people into society's mainstream. The introductory chapter of this book distinguishes between mentally ill and intellectually disabled defendants and reviews current knowledge about intellectually disabled offenders. Subsequent chapters discuss the career of the intellectually disabled offender as he passes through the stages of the criminal justice system including suspicion, arrest, police questioning, confession, possible diversion options including diversion to mental health facilities, the issue of fitness to be tried, the courtroom process, and potential sentencing options. The effect of custodial placement on these defendants is discussed and alternatives to institutionalization, including discharge, attendance center orders, probation, community service orders and semi-custodial programs, are outlined. The authors present their recommendations for changes in legislation, procedures, programs, and options. 167 references