One hundred admissions to a regional secure unit for people with a learning disability

Abstract

Information was collected about 100 successive admissions to a regional secure unit for people with a learning disability (mental handicap). Most of the patients were males under the age of 30, with a mild or borderline learning disability. A majority also had a psychiatric disorder. The most common offences committed were sexual, arson and assault. After discharge, most patients returned either to the community or to a mental handicap hospital. A comparison of the first cohort of 50 admissions with the second cohort of 50 admissions showed that the unit had changed its admission policy and had increasingly admitted those with a mild or moderate learning disability referred by the courts. In addition, the average length of stay had doubled, and the number of admissions each year had halved. This reflects a lack of local facilities which can provide intensive supervision.

Key Words:

• regional secure unit
• learning disability
• mental handicap