Offenders with Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Four Nordic Countries

doi:10.1017/9781108955522.021

Chapter 21 - Offenders with Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Four Nordic Countries

from Section 3 - Criminal Justice Pathways and Legal Issues

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 May 2023

Erik Søndenaa and

Søren Holst

Edited by

Jane M. McCarthy ,

Regi T. Alexander and

Eddie Chaplin

Show author details

Jane M. McCarthy: Affiliation:
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and University of Auckland
Regi T. Alexander: Affiliation:
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and University of Hertfordshire
Eddie Chaplin: Affiliation:
Institute of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University

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Summary

This chapter provides an overview of the practice, research, legislation and services models across the four Nordic countries of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland. There are marked differences in approaches to offenders with neurodevelopmental disorders across the Nordic countries. Most countries have defined thresholds around the functioning of the person in considering a person criminally irresponsible. Still, the approach to identification, care and treatment of offenders with these conditions within the criminal law remains unclear. Treatment facilities reflect the legislation and policy of the country with for example an inclusive perspective as in Sweden which provides no separate treatment facilities for offenders with intellectual disability (ID) or neurodevelopmental disorders. However, Norway and Denmark have taken a different approach and developed special care and treatment units for people with neurodevelopmental disorders who commit offences.

Keywords

Neurodevelopmental disorders Intellectual disabilities Nordic countries offenders Denmark Finland Norway Sweden

Information

Type: Chapter
Information: Forensic Aspects of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
A Clinician's Guide
, pp. 252 - 264

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108955522.021 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2023

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