Supporting Offenders with Learning Disabilities

SOLD

The Supporting Offenders with Learning Disabilities (SOLD) network is a national network committed to improving support for people with learning disabilities , or other significant communication difficulties, who are accused or convicted of committing a crime. Delivered in partnership with People First Scotland.

There are over 350 members of SOLD from a broad range of backgrounds including voluntary sector, Police Scotland, NHS, social work, Scottish Courts, Crown office and procurator Fiscal and Scottish Government.

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What people say

“Found networking with different sectors and support organisations useful”

Delegate at SOLD network conference

“Highlighted an area of weakness in working with young people with learning disabilities/ difficulties.”

Delegate at SOLD network conference

Practice guide for Support workers

Our latest publication is for support workers who find the person with learning disabilities they support in the criminal justice system. It shows how to make a well-informed, constructive contribution, which is valued, not just by the person they support, but also by partner professionals in the criminal justice system.

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SOLD Practice Guide for Support Workers

News

Harmful sexual behaviour and young people with additional support needs

We have two interconnected events planned for early 2019 on the subject of harmful sexual behaviour and young people with additional support needs, and exploring inclusive strategies for prevention and early intervention. These are organised in partnership between SOLD, the Centre for Youth and Criminal Justice, and the Scottish Transitions Forum.

Staying Safe: Exploring the needs of young people with additional support needs who experience or present with Harmful Sexual Behaviour and their families.

Monday 4th February 2019, Norton Park Conference Centre, Edinburgh.

 

Prevention, Intervention & Inclusion: Harmful Sexual Behaviour and young people with additional support needs.

Wednesday 3rd April 2019, Insight Institute, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.

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Guidance for Using SOLD Easy Read Guides

The SOLD user group have produced a series of easy read guides aimed at people with learning disabilities. The guides cover different aspects of the criminal justice system in Scotland and draw on the members’ own experiences. However, it should be remembered that not every person with a learning disability is able to use Easy Read.

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Supporting Offenders with Learning Disabilities

Events

Our consultation events are an opportunity for professionals from across the criminal justice sector and service users with lived experience to share their knowledge and experience on a variety of complex issues.

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Publications

We are developing a comprehensive pack of resources including guidance for professionals, and easy read information for service users, intended to improve fair and equal access to the criminal justice system.

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Videos

Including keynote presentations from our events and conferences covering support in police custody, court, alternatives to forensic hospital detention, and support to comply with prison and community payback orders.


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Criminal Justice Pathway

Report from the Supporting Offenders with Learning Disabilities Network.

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This report seeks to inform and guide local and national planning and practice related to improving support for people with learning disabilities whose behaviour brings them into contact with the criminal justice system and to reduce offending by them.

Criminal Justice Pathway