Interventions for Persons with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Involved with the Criminal Justice System: a Scoping Review
Persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) experience barriers in the criminal justice system. It is important that appropriate accommodations are available and justice professionals receive training to ensure these accommodations occur. This scoping review summarizes recent peer-reviewed publications investigating models of accommodation and support for persons with IDD in the criminal justice system.
Recent Findings
A total of 22 studies met all the eligibility criteria. Research showed that most peer-reviewed literature focused on earlier phases in the criminal justice system, namely police contact and court proceedings. Most interventions focused on screening for IDD and providing appropriate accommodations.
Summary
Currently evaluated interventions for persons with IDD involved in the criminal justice system include screening tools for identification, diversion to specialized courts, third-person intermediaries, and modifications to existing programs and materials. Independent assessments of training for justice professionals indicate that they can be trained to recognize and accommodate persons with IDD and use screening tools and modified materials.
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Introduction
Chapter © 2014
Implementing Evidence-Based Practices Wisely
Chapter © 2016
A Scoping Review of Research to Assist Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Interactions with Police
Article 17 January 2022
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References
Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the support of Dr. Voula Marinos, Brock University; Dr. Jessica Jones, Queen’s University; and Colleen MacKinnon, Brock University.
Funding
Lisa Whittingham and Courtney Bishop are supported in part by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
- Department of Child and Youth Studies, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada Lisa Whittingham & JaCoya Laplante
- Department of Criminology and Justice, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON, Canada Emily Cauduro
- Faculty of Social & Community Services, Durham College, Oshawa, ON, Canada Courtney Bishop
- Lisa Whittingham