NCJ Number
102247
Journal
Prison Journal Volume: 66 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring-Summer 1986) Pages: 7-23
Date Published
1986
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article considers reasons for the disproportionate number of mentally retarded inmates, treatment goals for them, and programming.
Abstract
Although there is no clear cause-and-effect relationship between mental retardation and criminality, mentally retarded offenders are disproportionately represented in prisons. This is due to social factors, the inability of mentally retarded offenders to avail themselves of legal protections in criminal justice processing, and the tendency of courts to imprison mentally retarded offenders rather than sentence them to< noninstitutional programs. A number of States, most notably Texas, have developed procedures for identifying mentally retarded offenders and tailoring correctional programs to their needs. Training packages have also been developed to instruct criminal justice professionals in the identification and management of mentally retarded persons. A network of services for mentally retarded offenders should include diagnosis; evaluation and classification; the development of personal, physical, educational, and vocational skills; courses in sexuality; and the development of social values and independent life skills. This requires the use of alternatives to incarceration and the establishment of separate programs for mentally retarded offenders. The setting should be appropriate to the offender's personal and security needs. 27 references.