The reliability and validity of the Adaptive Functioning Assessment Tool in UK custodial settings

Purpose The authors reviewed studies of validated tools to screen for cognitive impairment among prisoners. The purpose of this paper is to assist organisations in identifying cognitive impairment in correctional facilities. Design/methodology/approach A targeted literature review identified peer-reviewed articles on screening of adults in jails, prisons, police watch-houses, custody suites, rehabilitation facilities and forensic settings or community settings for offenders. Validation of screening tools in secure settings, psychometric properties and cultural discrimination is included in this review. Findings Eight screening tools are considered suitable for use in correctional settings. Two screening tools are recommended for cognitive impairment, one is recommended for adaptive functioning assessment and one is recommended for screening of brain injury. Two screening tools are noted to be subject to piloting and further development for use with First Nations people, and two screening tools for cognitive impairment are noted for positive consideration. Research limitations/implications Recommendations for screening tools are based on review only and evaluation was infeasible. Practical implications Short, reliable measures of cognitive ability for use in correctional facilities are needed. Such tools must be appropriate with respect to their purpose, feasible within the clinical capability of staff and sufficiently cheap to administer to allow widespread use. Originality/value Screening of prisoners for cognitive impairment allows early detection to facilitate rehabilitation and therapy. This research is at the systems level. Therefore, the authors do not purport to provide guidance for individual clinicians.

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Screening prisoners for cognitive impairment – literature review

Catalano

Mason

Brolan

et al. 2020

“…The tool was able to accurately predict which programme participants had been referred for, with those scoring high on the AFC-R being more likely to be placed on to the non-LDC programme and those with low scores being placed onto the LDC programme. The tool has been further validated with a sample of men convicted of violent offences (Ross et al, 2018).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Learning disability screening: impact on prison programmes

Ramsay

Wakeling

Lucchi

et al. 2020

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine staff views’ of the usefulness of the Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) screening tools for learning disability and/or learning challenges (LDC) on offending behaviour programme selection and programme participant’s learning experiences. Design/methodology/approach In total, 11 treatment managers (TMs) and 10 programme graduates across 4 prison sites, from a range of HMPPS accredited programmes were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed, analysed and interpreted using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) method of thematic analysis. Findings Overall, TMs found the screening tools useful in aiding programme allocation decisions, particularly, in terms of the triangulated approach and were, in general, using them in line with the guidance. A number of key factors influenced programme allocation decisions, including participant factors, information gathered from a number of sources and from a range of staff and in collaboration with the individual. The importance of being responsive to the needs of the individual was highlighted. Group participants generally felt they were on the right programme according to their needs and found the programmes responsive. Suggestions for further research and improving programme selection are made. Research limitations/implications Data were collected from four prisons, each providing a number of different accredited programmes. Caution is, therefore, needed when generalising the findings. Originality/value This research contributes to ensuring that those with LDC have equality of opportunity in reducing their risk of reoffending through accessing HMPPS accredited offending behaviour programmes most responsive to their learning needs. It also contributes to the growing evidence base about the effective use of LDC screening tools in forensic settings.

“…The AFC-R is an observation tool consisting of 46 items which aim to explore the individuals’ social functioning. The tool was developed by HMPPS, and more recently updated and validated for use with men who have sexual convictions (Smith, 2014), and men who have convictions for violence (Ross et al , 2018). Items cover areas relating to communication, social participation, personal independence and functioning in activities.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Learning disability and challenges in male prisons: programme screening evaluation

Wakeling

Ramsay

2019

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to validate the learning screening tool (LST) and the adapted functioning checklist-revised (AFC-R) as screening tools to aid programme allocation, and to investigate whether programme decision makers were using the tools as per the guidance provided by HMPPS Interventions Services. Design/methodology/approach LST and AFC-R data were gathered for 555 men who had been assessed for programmes between 2015 and 2018 across eight prisons and one probation area. WAIS-IV IQ data were also gathered if completed. Findings The findings provide support for the use of the LST, and AFC-R in helping to make decisions about programme allocation. The LST and AFC-R correlate well with each other, and a measure of intellectual functioning (WAIS-IV). Those who were allocated to learning disability or challenges (LDC) programmes scored higher on the LST (greater problems) and lower on the AFC-R (lower functioning) compared to those allocated to mainstream programmes. The LST had adequate predictive validity. In the majority of cases, the correct procedures were followed in terms of using the tools for programme allocation. Research limitations/implications The sample size for examining the relationships between all three tools was limited. The research was also unable to take into consideration the clinical decision making involved in how the tools were interpreted. Originality/value This research contributes to the growing evidence about the effective use of LDC screening tools in forensic settings.