Learning disability training and probation officer knowledge

Abstract

Purpose Knowledge about learning disabilities has found to be limited in both health and social care staff. To improve the treatment of individuals with learning disabilities and mental health problems within the criminal justice system (CJS), Lord Bradley recommends that professionals receive mental health and learning disability awareness training. However, little is known about the impact of training on the knowledge of professionals in the CJS. This study aims to investigate the impact of a 3-h learning disability training session on the knowledge of probation officers. Design/methodology/approach Using a repeated measures design, the impact of a 3-h learning disability training session on the knowledge of 12 probation officers was analysed. Findings In support of this study’s hypothesis, a repeated measures t-test revealed a significant difference between participants pre-training and post-training learning disability knowledge questionnaire (LDKQ) scores. Participants scored significantly higher on the LDKQ post-training compared to pre-training. A linear regression revealed that years worked in probation did not significantly predict participant’s difference scores. Research limitations/implications Limitations of this study and directions for future studies are discussed. Originality/value This paper demonstrates that learning disability training can significantly improve the knowledge of probation officers.