Please provide a short response 200-400 words to the post below, APA format only please.
The research study consisted of exploring how learning disabilities (LD) are handle in the criminal justice system (CJS). Offenders with LD may not have the ability to understand or communicate in the system. The study only consisted of nine offenders, both males and females over the age of 18. The participants were interviewed about their experiences within the CJS, starting from the arrest to prison. They were asked about support provided, intermediaries, and ideas for improvements. The participants stated there was lack of LD awareness mainly with the police and probation officers. Another point from the interviews was the lack of understanding from the participants when CJS professionals would speak to them. Also, they were not made aware that special measures and specific supports were available to them. The findings show more research is needed to gain an understanding of LD in the CJS. It also showed people within the CJS with LD have had a difficult time, and had to rely on support systems that should have been provided by trained professionals (Howard, Phipps, Clarbour, and Rayner, 2015).
The parts of this study that would be important for the forensic psychology professional would be how the participants felt they were treated in the courtroom or being questioned. The forensic psychology professional can help within those environments.
It would be important for the forensic psychology professional to first identify if the person has a LD. By identifying the LD, the proper support can be provided to the person. This can help alleviate any negative feelings the person might feel in the CJS. It can also help in determining what measures to give the person, and if they are competent to stand trial. The forensic psychology professional can make sure the court professional communicates with the person with LD on a level they understand, so they are not confused about what is happening to them.
Howard, R., Phipps, E., Clarbour, J., & Rayner, K. (2015). “I’d trust them if they understood learning disabilities” support needs of people with learning disabilities in the criminal justice system, Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behavior, 6(1), 4-14. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/criminaljusticeperiodicals/docview/1709711177/DC697E0498E24CC8PQ/49?accountid=14872
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