Course type

One-day, face-to-face course.

Who attended?

This course was for frontline staff working with and supporting people with cognitive disability who are at risk of contact, or are in contact, with the Justice System. Managers were also welcome to attend, ideally in addition to rather than instead of their frontline staff.

The course was intended to help participants identify sociological risk factors which may influence an increased risk for the people they support coming into contact with the Justice System.

As a one-day course providing free training in this area, this was an ideal opportunity for frontline staff to gain new skills, at no cost to their organisation.

Course description

Participants had the opportunity to explore and discuss the risk factors for people with cognitive disability associated with their contact with the Justice System, explore personal and societal values and attitudes towards these people, and work towards prevention and minimising involvement with the Justice System.

The course also focused on communities and cultures that are over-represented in the Justice System, and aided employees within the sector to provide high levels of support to these people.

By the end of the course, learners had a better understanding of:

• Personal, Community and Society’s views of people in contact with the Justice System
• Pathways into coming into contact with the Justice System
• People’s experiences of coming into contact with the Justice System
• Risk factors associated with risk of contact or increased contact with the Justice System
• The role of frontline staff and managers in identifying risk factors, and reducing the risk of contact or contact with the Justice System
• Theories and skills to inform our practice in these areas
• Case studies

There were also regular opportunities for participants to practice specific skills and engage in activities that were built on as the day progressed.

 An online version of this course is also available.

Course Materials

The following course materials were provided and are available for download:

• Sociological Risk Factors – Facilitators Guide (to provide the trainer with how the course was to be delivered)
• Sociological Risk Factors – Participant’s Notes (for the attendees to take away)
• Sociological Risk Factors – PowerPoint Slides