Development of a specialised forensic service for women with learning disability: the first three years

Forensic aspects in people with intellectual disabilities

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The past few years have seen a growth in research of forensic issues relating to people with intellectual disabilities. This review examines a broad spectrum covering 2005 and 2006, for which articles are already available. Given the diversity of publications, reference will also be made to some of the main articles of 2004 to provide a context.

RECENT FINDINGS

We are now at the stage where people are questioning the existing forensic psychiatry evidence base for people with intellectual disabilities. This review examines the assessment and treatment of three different groups, that is, fire setters, sexual offenders and those with problems of anger and aggression along with service outcome research, the criminal justice system, and a round up of other related research.

SUMMARY

The growth of research in this area has aided the development of assessment and treatment instruments and treatment models for people with intellectual disabilities. This has helped to highlight the specialist and complex nature of this group. The review also looks at services from the point of delivery and the difficulty in research methodology and quantifying outcomes that take into account a changing society and current health inequalities.