1. Changing Horizons Our Research The experiences of people with learning disabilities who have been in trouble with the law. Part of

2. Our approach Focus groups 1 to 1 interviews Literature Review Purpose: To explore the experiences and needs of those with a learning disability who are in the CJS or at risk of offending. To explore the events, experiences and people that influence offending behaviours for this group of people.

3. What we know already: Many people in trouble with the law have a learning disability – maybe as many as a third But we can’t be sure of the exact numbers because… It is not always easy to tell if someone has a learning disability They may not know themselves They may not want to say

4. Findings Influences behind offending behaviour: Problems with relationships Victim of crime (e.g. harassment or hate crime) Mate crime or ‘bad friends’ Not having a job Difficulties with communication

5. Findings Experiencing the Criminal Justice System: Trust Fear Confusion Communication breakdown

6. Findings Rebuilding their lives: They wanted more help to deal with the effects of being in trouble They wanted things to do They wanted to be able talk things through They needed help to keep away from trouble (like bad friends) The best support after being trouble with the law came from people they know and trust - families, friends and self-advocacy groups

7. Recommendations Help to identify and avoid risky situations Ensure any disabilities are recognised as early as possible when people get in trouble Make information more accessible about what is happening Support for people to rebuild their lives

8. Changing Horizons People Skills Courses Supporting people with Learning Disabilities to work on issues around understanding and improving relationships, to reduce the risk of offending/reoffending. Part of

9. Key themes from research Need for Belonging Need for Friendship Need for Citizenship Issues in close relationships Things to do Keep away from negative influences Talk things through

10. Objectives -Improve understanding of boundaries in relationships -Action plan for improving social networks -Improve understanding of emotions -Explore behaviours that lead to offending -Recognise Hate and Mate crime and know where to get help. -Improve understanding of rights and responsibilities in romantic relationships. Topics Getting to know the group Social networks Emotions Antisocial behaviour Hate crime Mate crime Romantic relationships

11. Course structure Groups of 8-10 2 ½ hour sessions, 1 a week for 8 weeks 1:1 Meetings to discuss Risk management and Learning styles and expectations 1:1 meeting to evaluate and make action plan Anyone can make a referral Meet for Lunch Mindfulness Quizzes Evaluation Videos Action plans Follow up - Keeping in touch with each other A separate room for 1:1/time alone Sharing experiences

12. Is it useful? I signed to the course to learn to deal with my feelings. The course was good, something different to do. The thing I found most useful was learning about how different people show their feelings 1 year follow up..

13. Work with Stakeholders to signpost people to the course who are not suitable for statutory services. Involve previous course participants in the delivery of the course Continued follow up and social opportunities for participants - Volunteer befrienders/mentors Future Developments…

14. Interact@guidepoststrust.org.uk 01993 893582 www.2gether.nhs.uk/ldcj Contact us… NEXT COURSE STARTS: 12 th AUG, The Guildhall, Gloucester