The most recent SOLD event Improving support for the accused person with a learning disability in Police Custody was held on 27th March at Norton Park Conference Centre, Edinburgh, and was a follow up to our previous event on 24th August last year, which was entitled Improving support for the accused person with a learning disability from arrest to court.
There were almost one hundred people present at the event, all of whom have an interest in the criminal justice system, and or, people with learning disabilities. A broad range of professionals were represented, including the legal profession, psychiatry, clinical psychology, social work, health, police, prison service, voluntary sector, independent advocacy and academia, amongst others.
Members of the SOLD User group, who are people with learning disabilities and have experience of the criminal justice system, were also involved.
Key Questions
The purpose of the event was to take advantage of the wealth of knowledge and experience of those present, and to gather as many thoughts and opinions as possible on two key questions:
- What is the most reliable way to identify in police custody that someone needs support with communication?
- What is the best way to support someone with communication difficulties in police custody?
Read more Improving support for the accused person with a learning disability: Police Custody
The findings report from the August SOLD event: ‘Improving support for the accused person with a learning disability from arrest through to court’ is available now to download for free.
Welcome to ‘The Supporting Offenders with Learning Disability Network’ (SOLD). Funded by the Scottish Government, our aim is to reduce offending and improve support for people with learning disabilities who offend.
Our website is for people with learning disabilities, everyone working in the criminal justice system, and the organisations and individuals who work to ensure that people with learning disabilities receive appropriate support.
- Understand the challenges facing offenders with learning disabilities along the criminal justice pathway
- Learn how policy, practice and legislation affects people with learning disabilities
- Find out how you can help us achieve our aims.
