Risk Assessment and Risk Management in Offenders with Intellectual Disabilities: Are We There Yet?

Abstract

Research on risk assessment and risk management in offenders with intellectual disabilities (OIDs), although far behind compared to the mainstream offender literature, is now expanding. The current review provides an overview of the predictive value of risk assessment and treatment outcome monitoring tools developed for both mainstream forensic populations and OIDs. It is suggested that “mainstream” instruments have equal validity in OIDs, although studies in sex offenders show mixed results. In order to tackle specific criminogenic needs, unique characteristics of OIDs and their environment should be taken into account, which are addressed in ID-specific tools. Evidence regarding the added value and validity of these tools is however still preliminary.

KEYWORDS:

• intellectual disability
• offenders
• predictive validity
• risk assessment
• risk management

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This project was funded by Limburg Sterk Merk (LSM) and the Public Psychiatric Care Center Rekem (OPZC Rekem).

Notes

¹ Included instruments are listed in appendix.

² Representing a rather diverse group of people with ID or borderline intelligence and significant literacy deficits. Results for a subgroup of special needs patients with ID (IQ < 75) were similar (AUC = .47).