Prisoner mental health care for people with intellectual disability

ABSTRACT

Persons with intellectual disabilities are likely to be misdiagnosed and end up in prisons for petty offences. The rates of criminal behaviours will be influenced by social and cultural factors. What is seen as illegal behaviour in one society may not be so in another. Cultures also play a major and significant role in defining deviant behaviour and defining what is abnormal. Thus relationship between intellectual disability and criminal behaviour deserves better understanding and research. In hospital or care settings as well as in prisons, clinicians must be sensitive to the role intellectual disability may play in contributing to mental ill-health and behavioural problems. Clinicians must have the skills to identify intellectual disability and its consequences. Wherever possible, depending upon local needs, court diversion schemes and pathways be identified and developed through all agencies who may be involved in caring for persons with intellectual disability.