Inpatient assessment of young people with developmental disabilities who offend

Abstract

Purpose

This is an invited short overview from a clinician working in a national secure inpatient setting which aims to focus on inpatient forensic services for adolescents with developmental disabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper gives a brief overview of the needs of this population and the requirements for inpatient assessment and treatment.

Findings

This is a complex population who are referred relatively late to inpatient services, often after recurrent failings in residential services where mental disorders are commonly unrecognised. Comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment and treatment are required for this group.

Originality/value

This paper will be useful to a range of professionals dealing with adolescents with developmental disabilities who are engaging in offending and other high risk behaviours.

Citation

Gralton, E. (2013), "Inpatient assessment of young people with developmental disabilities who offend", Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, Vol. 7 No. 2, pp. 108-116. https://doi.org/10.1108/20441281311310207