Understanding Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in People Involved with the Criminal Justice System

Hosted by the CSG Justice Center with funding support from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance

The term “behavioral health” can be used to describe a number of presentations, symptoms, and needs. For example, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition lists mental illnesses, intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), substance use disorders, and personality disorders under this broad umbrella term. Though all classified as behavioral health issues, people with different diagnoses have different needs, especially when they are involved with the criminal justice system.

To navigate these needs, Leigh Ann Davis, director of the National Center on Criminal Justice & Disability, discusses differences and similarities between various kinds of behavioral health diagnoses and I/DD, how to identify someone with I/DD, and tips for to work more effectively with people with I/DD in correctional settings.