This conference highlighted the challenges faced by people with CSN after release from prison or a non-custodial alternative. We explored what best practice in community support looks like and how policy and practice might be developed to improve services and reduce offending.
Details, reports and resourcesEvents
We aim to host two large scale conferences each year, usually in the Spring and Autumn. These usually take the form of consultation events, and 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.
It is our policy that members of the SOLD user group, and their views, are always at the front and centre of each of our events.
latest Events
previous Events
SOLD Custody Toolkit
This report details an event SOLD held with the support of the Law Society’s Access to Justice Committee and executive team.In 2020 we worked with Law Society members to produce a guide for defence solicitors - https://soldnetwork.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Practice-Guide-Defence-Solicitors-SOLD.pdf
Details, reports and resourcesSOLD Event: Improving support for the accused from arrest through to and including the court process
The focus was to discuss ways of improving supports for people with learning disabilities when accused of an offence. This covered the stages of the criminal justice pathway from the point of arrest, to custody, to standing trial in court.The event provided an opportunity for a range of professionals from all sectors, and people with learning disabilities with experience of the criminal justice system, to engage with the discussion on this complex subject.
Details, reports and resourcesSOLD User Group Event
The most recent SOLD event was organised by our User group. The title was: Rights and Support in the Justice System. It was held on Wednesday 21st November From 10.30am – 3.00pm At Norton Park Conference Centre in Edinburgh (next to Easter Road stadium) This event was for people with learning disabilities, autism or other additional support needs. There are changes happening to support for people in the justice system.
Details, reports and resourcesPrevention, Intervention & Inclusion: Harmful Sexual Behaviour and young people with additional support needs
The most recent SOLD event took place on Wednesday 3rd April at Strathclyde University in Glasgow. This was the second of two interconnected events organised in partnership with the Centre for Youth and Criminal Justice, and the Scottish Transitions Forum. Both focused on the subject of harmful sexual behaviour and young people with additional support needs, and explored inclusive strategies for prevention and early intervention.
Details, reports and resourcesImproving support for the accused person with a learning disability in Police Custody
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.
Details, reports and resourcesNeeds must! Supporting healthy relationships and preventing harmful sexual behaviour
This event was a half-day workshop for support workers working with adults with communication support needs in Forth Valley. It was a collaborative effort between Forth Valley Community Sexual Health, the Scottish Transitions Forum, the Centre for Youth and Criminal Justice, People First, and the SOLD Network.
Details, reports and resources