It is believed that up to 30% of people in prison have a learning difficulty or disability, and around 7 per cent will have an IQ score below 70. 

Some prisons have specific learning disability services and employ learning disability nurses. Criminal justice health liaison and diversion schemes are often run by nurses and include support for people with learning disabilities.

Some people may be diverted from the criminal justice service to a secure mental health hospital under the Mental Health Act with Ministry of Justice restrictions.  

Standard offence-related interventions are often not suitable for people with learning disabilities. There are some good examples of these interventions being successfully adapted for people with learning disabilities. 

Further information 

UK-wide

• Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities. Criminal Justice System. Includes fact sheets, adapted Thinking Skills Programme and guidance for frontline staff.
• KeyRing. Fairer Justice for All Report. Explores the experiences of neurodiverse people in the criminal justice system and offers practical resources and training.
• Local Government Association. Criminal Justice and Neurodiversity Report. A comprehensive overview of challenges and best practices across the UK.
• Royal College of Psychiatrists. Forensic Care Pathways (PDF). Guidance for supporting adults with intellectual disabilities in forensic settings.
• The Autism Accreditation Programme. The UK’s only autism-specific quality assurance programme of support and development for all those providing services to autistic people.

England

• Department of Health. Staying Positive: The Criminal Justice System and Learning Disabilities (easy read PDF). Easy-read guide for people with learning disabilities navigating the justice system.
• Think COULD Project: Animation and online resource. Supports justice professionals in recognising and responding to learning disability needs.
• Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities. Criminal justice resources. Includes adapted interventions and practical tools for staff.
• University of Kent. SOTSEC-ID Programme. Collaborative treatment programme for men with intellectual disabilities at risk of sexual offending.

Scotland

• Scottish Government. Easy Read Guide to the Criminal Justice System (PDF). Explains rights and processes for people with learning disabilities.
• Equality and Human Rights Commission. Experiences in the Scottish Criminal Justice System (PDF). Research into barriers and lived experiences.

Wales

• Learning Disability Wales. Resources directory. Includes accessible materials on rights, justice and advocacy.

Northern Ireland

• NI Policing Board. Learning disability and policing report (PDF). Research into experiences and recommendations for policing.
• HSCNI. Forensic Managed Care Network. Strategic framework for supporting people with learning disabilities in forensic settings.
• Mencap Northern Ireland. Services and campaigns. Advocacy and support for people with learning disabilities in contact with justice services.