Dementia in the criminal justice system: a brief report from a nominal group.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Dementia in the criminal justice system: a brief report from a nominal group.
Authors: O'Neill, Adam (AUTHOR), Thompson, Ellie (AUTHOR), Wong, Evelyn (AUTHOR), Heathcote, Leanne (AUTHOR), Shaw, Jennifer (AUTHOR), Robinson, Catherine A. (AUTHOR), Senior, Jane (AUTHOR), Forsyth, Katrina (AUTHOR)
Source: Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology. Feb2025, Vol. 36 Issue 1, p76-88. 13p.
Subjects: Mild cognitive impairment, Prison conditions, Older people, Criminal justice system, Prison system
Abstract: The number of older adults in prison is increasing. Both dementia and mild cognitive impairment are becoming more prominent issues within the prison system. This paper explores the opinions and accounts of staff working alongside older prisoners with dementia to highlight current care, complexities of care provision, and areas for necessary development. Eight professionals were recruited to a nominal group discussion. Five themes were identified: 1) staffing; 2) security versus care; 3) distorted pathway to specialised services; 4) bespoke specialised facilities; and 5) compassionate release. The group highlighted the discrepancy between the needs of those with dementia and a lack of care and understanding within the prison system. Proposed areas for improvement included more thorough training, improved dementia care pathways, and the need to adapt the prison environment to be more appropriate for those with dementia. There is a lack of empirical evidence to understand how best to provide care for this vulnerable group. The gap between the standard of community and prison health and social care for this population should be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Description
Abstract:The number of older adults in prison is increasing. Both dementia and mild cognitive impairment are becoming more prominent issues within the prison system. This paper explores the opinions and accounts of staff working alongside older prisoners with dementia to highlight current care, complexities of care provision, and areas for necessary development. Eight professionals were recruited to a nominal group discussion. Five themes were identified: 1) staffing; 2) security versus care; 3) distorted pathway to specialised services; 4) bespoke specialised facilities; and 5) compassionate release. The group highlighted the discrepancy between the needs of those with dementia and a lack of care and understanding within the prison system. Proposed areas for improvement included more thorough training, improved dementia care pathways, and the need to adapt the prison environment to be more appropriate for those with dementia. There is a lack of empirical evidence to understand how best to provide care for this vulnerable group. The gap between the standard of community and prison health and social care for this population should be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:14789949
DOI:10.1080/14789949.2024.2437458