changing horizons our research the experiences of people with learning disabilities who have been in...
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Changing Horizons
Our Research
The experiences of people with learning disabilities who have been in trouble with the
law. Part of
Our approach
Focus groups 1 to 1 interviews
Literature Review
Purpose:• To explore the experiences and needs of those with a learning disability
who are in the CJS or at risk of offending.
• To explore the events, experiences and people that influence offending behaviours for this group of people.
What we know already:• Many people in trouble with the law have a
learning disability – maybe as many as a third• But we can’t be sure of the exact numbers
because…• It is not always easy to tell if someone
has a learning disability• They may not know themselves• They may not want to say
FindingsInfluences behind offending behaviour:
• Problems with relationships• Victim of crime (e.g. harassment or hate
crime)• Mate crime or ‘bad friends’• Not having a job• Difficulties with communication
FindingsExperiencing the Criminal Justice System:
• Trust • Fear• Confusion• Communication breakdown
Findings Rebuilding their lives:
• They wanted more help to deal with the effects of being in trouble
• They wanted things to do • They wanted to be able talk things through• They needed help to keep away from trouble
(like bad friends)• The best support after being trouble with the
law came from people they know and trust - families, friends and self-advocacy groups
Recommendations
• Help to identify and avoid risky situations• Ensure any disabilities are recognised as early as
possible when people get in trouble• Make information more accessible about what is
happening• Support for people to rebuild their lives
Changing Horizons
People Skills Courses
Supporting people with Learning Disabilities to work on issues around understanding and improving relationships, to reduce the risk of offending/reoffending.
Part of
Key themes from research
Need for BelongingNeed for
FriendshipNeed for
CitizenshipIssues in close relationships
Things to do Keep away from negative influences
Talk things through
Objectives- Improve understanding of boundaries in relationships- Action plan for improving social networks- Improve understanding of emotions- Explore behaviours that lead to offending- Recognise Hate and Mate crime and know where to get
help.- Improve understanding of rights and responsibilities in
romantic relationships.
TopicsGetting to know the group
Social networksEmotions
Antisocial behaviourHate crime Mate crime
Romantic relationships
Course structure
Groups of 8-102 ½ hour sessions, 1 a week for 8 weeks
1:1 Meetings to discuss Risk management and
Learning styles and expectations
1:1 meeting to evaluate and make
action plan
Anyone can make a referral
Meet for Lunch
MindfulnessQuizzes
EvaluationVideos
Action plans
Follow up - Keeping in touch with each other
A separate room for 1:1/time alone
Sharing experiences
Is it useful?
I signed to the course to learn to
deal with my feelings.
The course was good, something different to
do.
The thing I found most useful was learning about how different people show their
feelings1 year follow up..
• Work with Stakeholders to signpost people to the course who are not suitable for statutory services.
• Involve previous course participants in the delivery of the course
• Continued follow up and social opportunities for participants
- Volunteer befrienders/mentors
Future Developments…
01993 893582
www.2gether.nhs.uk/ldcj
Contact us…
NEXT COURSE STARTS:12th AUG, The Guildhall, Gloucester