If as an Autistic person you become involved with the Criminal Justice System as either a victim, a witness or a person who harms, there are Reasonable adjustments that you can request, and we hope that this page provides you with further information to access this.
You may find it helpful to show an Autism alert card which you can access via the National Autistic Society to download a free copy.
You may also find it helpful to share your individual communication preferences. If you have a communication passport, you can share this with professionals as well as sharing your sensory needs.
Accessing Support as a victim
Victim workers:
If you have been the victim of a crime and the person who has harmed is under the age of 18, you will be contacted by a victim worker from the Youth Justice Service. They may ask you how the offence has made you feel, to help the young offender understand the impact of their actions, and in some instances, you may be given the option to meet with them to allow them to apologise to you.
If you are happy to speak with the victim worker, you can share your communication preferences with them.
Remedi
Remedi provide quality restorative justice, mentoring services, training, as well as victim services. Find out how you can access emotional and practical support for victims of crime and anti-social behaviour by going to the Remedi website.
Support for those who harm
Youth Offending Service
The Youth Offending Service is a multi-agency service with the principal aim of preventing and reducing re-offending by young people. Go to Youth offending service for more information.
Child Action Northwest
Child Action Northwest can help divert children and young people away from the possibility of repeat offending through reparation work. Visit the Child Action Northwest for further information.
Criminal Justice Mental Health Service
If you have mental health issues and have committed an offence or show signs of offending behaviour, the Criminal Justice Mental Health Service can offer advice, assessments, risk assessment, and provide some short-term interventions They also provide a service for vulnerable adults who are referred by Greater Manchester Police. Visit Pennine care for more information.
Liaison and Diversion Team
The Greater Manchester Integrated Healthcare Liaison and Diversion Service offer friendly and non-judgemental support for people in custody, magistrates and Crown Court to ensure anyone involved with the criminal justice system with a vulnerability is appropriately supported and has their health and care needs met. Visit the GM Liaison and Diversion Service for more information.
Intermediary support
If you are not legally represented, you can ask for intermediary support from the court or tribunal where the hearing will take place. If approved, the court or tribunal will arrange an assessment on your behalf. You can make your request by email, post or in person at a hearing. You can find more information about intermediary services here.
Reasonable Adjustments
Autistic people are entitled to reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010, therefore all services have a duty to consider in advance what they can do to make their services accessible to everyone using them. You can also ask for adjustments at any point, not just when you first come into contact with the criminal justice system.
Here are some examples of adjustments that you are entitled to ask for:
- Having a quiet area to avoiding loud noises and bright lights
- Allowance of extra time to process information
- Requesting use of visual information
Training and Resources
If you come into contact with the Criminal Justice System as a victim, witness, or as perpetrator, it’s important to understand what you are entitled to. The National Autistic Society have guides for autistic adults and parents and carers of an autistic young person who have witnessed or are victim to a crime, you can find these on the National Autistic Society website.
Further Information
The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 2019 Code C
In the event that a juvenile or vulnerable person has made the decision to decline legal representation, and you as their appropriate adult are concerned about this decision – you can find guidance via The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 2019 Code C.
Mental Capacity Act 2005
Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) a person (aged 16 or older) lacks capacity in relation to a matter if, at the time, they are unable to make a decision for themself because of a difference in the functioning of the mind or brain. It does not matter whether the difference is permanent or temporary. For more information about the Mental Capacity Act visit College of Policing.
Online Safety
It’s important to stay safe online, below are some useful guides: