'Vast problem' of lowIQ prison inmates revealed.

Byline: BY CAROLINE INNES Daily Post Staff

PRISONERS in Liverpool are among nearly 6,000 inmates found to have low IQs or learning disabilities, a new study has revealed.

Researchers from the University of Liverpool say the findings from their study at Liverpool men's prison, Styal women's prison in Cheshire, and at the joint prison and institution in Hindley near Wigan, indicated a "vast hidden problem".

Prison Reform Trust director Juliet Lyon said the research raised important questions as to whether those behind bars would have ended up there if they had been given more learning support through their education.

She also called for more to be done to identify learning difficulties at a younger age so strategies could be put in place to support people suffering with conditions such as dyslexia. "This research reveals for the first time that high numbers of people with learning disabilities and difficulties are held behind bars," she said.

"It raises important questions about how they got caught up in the criminal justice system in the first place and whether those responsible for special education, social care and family support could have done more to prevent this.

"As things stand men, women and children with learning difficulties and learning disabilities in the criminal justice system are dropped in a maze with no exit, left to wander between police station, court and prison."

Author of the study, Liverpool University's Dr Pat Mottram, said: "Overall, our findings show that the average IQ of the prison population is 13 below the national average of 100.

"A sizeable minority has a very low IQ indeed and learning difficulties.

"Many will struggle to make sense of their experience of imprisonment.

"It is important therefore that the prison regime, in particular education, health and social care and rehabilitation, takes this into consideration."

Skills Minister Phil Hope welcomed the research, saying the Government had set in motion major reforms in education for prisoners.

He added: "The new Offenders Learning and Skills Service (OLASS) is in place and requires

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"The offender's learning journey documents set out requirements for delivering quality provision.

"Learning providers now ensure that teachers and trainers have access to in-service training to keep their learning difficulties and disabilities practice up to date and make sure that at least one member of staff has a specialist learning difficulties and disabilities teaching qualification.

"These conditions must be identified early and processes put in place to support those who may face problems."

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