The Handbook of Forensic Learning Disabilities

The Handbook of Forensic Learning Disabilities examines current innovations policy and practice with a pragmatic approach whilst drawing out the practical implications of working with this particular client group. It provides a complete analysis of the key issues surrounding forensic learning disabilities and looks at past present and possible future issues to examine the unique and diverse needs of this service user group. The editors start out by investigating the likely cause of the problem then go on to discuss possible assessments the specific disorders and the options for treatment or therapeutic intervention. The criminal justice system policy mental health law and risk management are all considered along with issues surrounding specific offenders. Readers are encouraged to consider case studies develop insights into the field and are then directed to supplementary texts and resources for further research if required. This book will appeal to a broad range of health and social care professionals working with people who have learning difficulties. It will also be invaluable as a reference text for employees of the criminal justice and mental health systems pre and post-registration nurses training in the field and student social workers. Lawyers support organisations and policy-makers and shapers and will also find the multifaceted approach interesting and informative.

Table of Contents:
The policy context. Epidemiology of offending in learning disability. Sexual offending in people with learning disabilities. Arson and learning disability. Working with people with aggressive behavior. Self-injurious behaviour and deliberate self-harm. Risk assessment and management. Criminal justice liaison. Mental health law. Organisational culture and its impact on service delivery. Resettlement from secure learning disability services.

About the Author :
Tim Riding Network Director, Secure Services Chair, Lancashire Mentally Disordered Offenders Coordinating Group; Lancashire Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements Strategic Management Board; Honorary Lecturer, John Moores University, Liverpool; Lancashire Care NHS Trust, Preston, Lancashire. Caron Swann Senior Lecturer in Learning Disabilities, St Martin’s College, Lancaster, Honorary Practitioner, Calderstones NHS Trust, Whalley, Lancashire. Bob Swann Assistant Director, Clinical Governance and Professional Development; Preston Primary Care Trust Committee Member, The Clinical Governance Association.

Review :
"'The editors have been successful in bringing together an array of valuable material into one definitive source, which will provide an essential point of reference for a range of practitioners in the field of forensic learning disabilities.' Colin Dale in his Foreword"