Abstract

Although research suggests that the d/Deaf individuals are overrepresented among forensic populations and unique challenges arise when working with such clients, there is a relative dearth of research examining the forensic assessment and treatment of d/Deaf individuals. Because the barriers and challenges faced by d/Deaf persons can lead to diminished efficacy of standard methods of forensic assessment and treatment, this paper aims to summarize the extant literature and highlight the implications and considerations for delivery of services as per the risk-need-responsivity model. Research findings suggest that special attention should be paid to issues surrounding language and literacy and appropriate accommodations made to ensure that d/Deaf individuals are not excluded from programming which addresses mental health and risk-relevant concerns. Recommendations to improve delivery of forensic assessment and treatment services to d/Deaf clients are provided.

摘要

尽管研究表明，d/聋人在法医人群中的比例过高，并且在与此类客户合作时会出现独特的挑战，但相对缺乏对 d/聋人进行法医评估和治疗的研究。由于 d/聋人面临的障碍和挑战可能导致法医评估和治疗标准方法的有效性降低，本文旨在总结现有文献，并强调根据风险需求提供服务的影响和考虑——响应模型。研究结果表明，应特别关注围绕语言和读写能力的问题，并采取适当的便利措施，以确保 d/聋人不会被排除在解决心理健康和风险相关问题的计划之外。