Characteristics of adult offenders with developmental disabilities in large urban environments

This study examined demographic characteristics of 315 adult offenders with developmental disabilities receiving forensic services in one northeast Ohio urban setting. Data were entered in an SPSS database, and frequency and cross-tabulation tests were performed to determine the most prominent characteristics of the participants. The sample included 295 (93.65%) male offenders and was composed of African Americans (198; 62.86%); whites (77; 24.44%); Hispanics/non-Hispanic Latinos (6; 1.9%); and others (34; 10.8%). The majority of initial charges included drug possession, felonious and aggravated assault, and receiving stolen property. Disposition charges ranged from drug trafficking offenses to burglary. Recidivism varied depending on length of time post-disposition: six, twelve, or eighteen months. A profile was developed to improve the development of service delivery models aimed at enhancing success. Social advocacy and collaborative approaches within the criminal justice system are necessary for successful services tailored to meet these adult offenders’ needs.