What Corrections Should Offer the Intellectually Disabled Offender: An Idealistic View (From Intellectually Disabled Offenders, P 85-90, 1987, Dennis Challinger, ed. -- See NCJ-109708)

• NCJ Number: 109715
• Author(s): S Hayes
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 6 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology; National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: For microfiche, see NCJ-109708.

Annotation

This paper presents criteria Australian corrections policymakers should use in managing intellectually disabled (ID) inmates in prison.

Abstract

ID inmates are entitled to appropriate treatment that includes comprehensive assessment, a broad range of services and programs, consultation with the inmate, flexibility and change, and no coercion to participate. Since ID inmates are generally unable to articulate their needs and interests, trained citizen advocates should be available to address their needs. Protection from victimization in prison should be a high priority for ID inmates, who are particularly vulnerable to attack and exploitation, but segregation should be avoided. Integration with other inmates is potentially more constructive for ID inmates than segregation. An intellectual disability or involvement in a special program should have no effect on the release or parole date of an inmate. Decisionmakers who determine release dates should not be permitted to base release decisions on the myth that intellectual disability increases dangerousness. ID offenders should not be patronized by diverting them out of the criminal justice system into security hospitals and indeterminate institutionalization. Their needs should be met within a normalized criminal justice environment sensitive to their needs. 3 references.