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…

Interact@guidepoststrust.org.uk

01993 893582

www.2gether.nhs.uk/ldcj

Contact us…

NEXT COURSE STARTS:12th AUG, The Guildhall, Gloucester