Screening for learning disability in an adolescent forensic population

Abstract

It is recognised in the literature that learning disability (LD) and learning difficulties are represented in greater proportions among adolescent offenders than in the broader adolescent population. However at this time no common method for identifying these difficulties is used within the youth justice system (YJS) in England and Wales. A sample of 71 young people within the YJS in the north-east of England completed the Hayes Ability Screening Index, together with standard measures of cognitive functioning (Wechsler intelligence scale: WISC-IV and WAIS-III) and adaptive behaviour (Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales). HASI results were compared to the results of these diagnostic measures to assess the utility of the HASI in identifying those who warrant more detailed assessment for LD. Analysis revealed that in this UK population the HASI did not have adequate specificity to be helpful in identifying which young people should be referred for further assessment by specialist LD services. Future investigations should seek to identify a tool or process which would efficiently identify LD within the YJS in order better to serve the needs of this vulnerable group.

Keywords:

• adolescent
• offender
• learning disability
• screening
• cognitive
• assessment