Intellectually Disabled Offenders

Subject 191-512 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2009.
Time Commitment: Total Time Commitment: Total of 10 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of Criminal Justice Politics or a postgraduate program in criminology, socio-legal studies or political science
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability
Subject Overview: An examination of psychological ASSESS and intervention strategies as applied to the special population of offenders with an intellectual disability. Included are considerations of: (i) the postulated link between intellectual ability and offending behaviour (including historical, socio-cultural, biological, psychological and methodological issues); (ii) major skills and methods for the ASSESS of offenders with an intellectual disability; (iii) descriptions of, and justifications for, intervention and management programs for this particular group of offenders; (iv) issues arising from the characteristics of special needs groups in this population, for example, sex offenders, offenders with dual disability (mental illness as well as intellectual disability); (v) selected legal issues which may involve the clinician dealing with offenders with an intellectual disability; and (vi) philosophical and ethical considerations in this area.
Objectives:
  • understand the nature, extent, complexity and possible causes of the link between intellectual disability and criminal behaviour;
  • demonstrate an understanding of the principles of clinical assessment, clinical intervention and management strategies for this group;
  • demonstrate an understanding of the link between intellectual disability and offending in the context of historical, socio-cultural, biological, psychological, understand methodological and professional issues;
  • apply knowledge to specific practical and professional tasks e.g. preparing reports for criminal justice professionals and agencies;
  • demonstrate an appreciation of the legal, philosophical and policy contexts in which clinical decision takes place.
Assessment: A 2000 word oral assessment 40% (to be completed during semester) and a 3000 word written assignment 60% (due at the end of semester).
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available for purchase at the University Bookstore.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • achieve a capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning;
  • Achieve an ability to incorporate theoretical principles and concepts into professional practice;
Related Course(s): Master of Criminology (CWT)

Download PDF version.