How to Work With Mentally Handicapped Offenders

More than half the inmates in federal, state and local prisons had a mental health problem as of 2006, according to a Bureau of Justice Statistics study. Thus, if you are professionally involved with the criminal justice system, chances are high you will have to learn how to work with mentally ill offenders. You may see such conditions as schizophrenia, clinical depression, severe behavioral disorders and learning disabilities.

Instructions

• 1

  Screen the offenders you work with for mental health problems. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that correctional facilities offer legally-mandated services for individuals with mental health problems, disabilities and handicaps. Understanding and diagnosing mental health problems in the offender population is the first step to addressing problems appropriately.

• 2

  Ensure compliance with prescribed medication regimens. Mentally handicapped offenders may have problems that respond well to treatment with antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and anti-psychotics. Schedule regular check-ups with the offenders you work with to ensure proper oversight of prescribed medications. Keep a close eye on potential side effects, and make sure offenders are regularly taking prescribed dosages.

• 3

  Ensure that mentally handicapped offenders have access to programs designed to meet their special needs. According to AllBusiness.com, mentally handicapped and lower-functioning offenders have a higher rate of violent incidents, making programs specific to special needs essential to safety. Encourage regular attendance in programs designed to teach coping skills, like anger management classes.

• 4

  Understand the symptoms common in mentally handicapped offenders, and how those symptoms can slow their progress. According to AllBusiness.com, low-functioning offenders are more likely to stay in the system longer due to failure to meet progress criteria. Make sure offenders you work with are being fairly assessed according to their mental capabilities. Be prepared to spend more time helping mentally handicapped offenders reach life management objectives.