Robert Brown calls for better support for prisoners with learning difficulties

12.00.00am GMT Mon 3rd Dec 2007

Glasgow Liberal Democrat MSP Robert Brown has today called for a review of the Scottish Prison Service's compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act after No One Knows, a report commissioned by the Prison Reform Trust, claimed that there were few procedures in place for identifying and helping prisoners with learning disabilities or difficulties.

The report suggests that up to 2,250 prisoners out of approximately 7,000 are likely to have a learning disability or require some additional support with learning.

The report also found that prisoners with learning difficulties or disabilities were sometimes excluded from activities or opportunities including work and recreation and that prison staff are not often aware of the types of support available for prisoners with learning disabilities or difficulties.

No One Knows recommends that screening or assessment for learning difficulties should be undertaken routinely prior to arrival in prison and that the Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland and Social Work Inspection Agency should conduct a joint thematic review on the care and treatment of prisoners with learning difficulties and learning disabilities.

It also went on to recommend that the Scottish Commissioner of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights should investigate the Scottish Prison Service's compliance with the terms of the Disability Discrimination Act 2005.

Mr. Brown has submitted a motion to the Scottish Parliament calling for the Scottish Government to act on the recommendations of the Report, and for a review of the care and treatment of prisoners with learning disabilities.

Robert Brown said:

"This report by the Prison Reform Trust is very concerning. The fact that people with learning difficulties do not get routinely identified when they enter the prison system is alarming - all the evidence is that a high percentage of people in prison have learning difficulties. Helping them overcome their learning difficulties can often help them stop offending and make more of their lives. Once in prison, prisoners with these issues can often face a number of difficulties and will clearly not get the proper support they need unless their disabilities are identified at the outset.

"What is also worrying is that staff were sceptical about the quality of support available to prisoners and that they weren't confident that the skills and expertise necessary to support those with learning difficulties were available in their prison. That suggests quite a major challenge for training and support.

"If, as the report suggests up to 2,250 people within the prison system are likely to have a learning disability or require additional support, and the quality of support is uncertain, then this is manifestly something which the Scottish Government should act on.

"All criminal justice organisations have a duty under the Disability Discrimination Act to eliminate discrimination and promote opportunity for disabled people, including those with learning difficulties. That is why I support the call within No One Knows for the Commission for Equality and Human Rights to investigate the Scottish Prison Service's compliance with the DDA.

"The Government must show that their own organisations lead by example, and act on the recommendations of the report as soon as possible.

"Effective action, continuing after a prison sentence too, could be a good investment both for the individual and the community."

ends

To report in full can be downloaded from the link below.

Related Link:

No One Knows.