Development of an internet risk awareness group for learning disabled offenders

Since its inception, the internet has become increasingly dominant in everyday life. Despite its obvious benefits, concerns have been raised as to potential risks of the internet such as susceptibility to being a victim of crime and bullying. For individuals with a learning or developmental disability this risk is increased given their lack of intellectual functioning and social awareness. For individuals with such a disability and a forensic background, the risks may be even greater given the added possibility of offending online. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of an internet risk awareness group for such individuals.

The internet awareness group comprises of ten sessions run on a weekly basis for individuals with a learning/developmental disability and forensic background. The aim of the group is to aid an understanding of the benefits and risks of the internet, including things to be aware of to enable service users to make an informed choice and to minimise their chance of being the victim of any crime or distress. The sessions also have a forensic focus and will outline legal aspects of the internet in relation to behaviours such as stalking and will teach service users about the consequence of this.

The paper describes the process of developing the course material, providing the course and adapting it in light of feedback from participants.

The paper highlights the emerging nature of problematic internet use amongst learning disabled offenders. It serves to raise awareness among health and social care professionals and instigate the development of further good practice.