Las personas con discapacidad intelectual en el sistema penal penitenciario. ¿Un fracaso de las políticas de inclusión?

Abstract

The situation of people with intellectual disabilities who are affected by the prison system highlights the social problems of a highly vulnerable and socially excluded group. The aim of this paper is to analyze the characteristics of the population with intellectual disability residing within the Spanish prison system, and the processes that caused them to enter the system. The analysis takes a qualitative approach that focuses on the central question of whether these individuals are entering the prison system due to a failure of inclusion policies. It also reviews the relevant literature. Data were obtained from research carried out in prisons between 2001 and 2010 by the Spanish Confederation of Organizations working for People with Intellectual Disability (FEAPS) and include data from the autonomous region of Catalonia (the only region with competence over its prison system). The lack of resources devoted to people with disabilities who show behavior classified as criminal highlights the failure of the prevention and inclusion policies implemented by society. The results discussion also highlights and analyzes the lack of comprehensive intervention approaches regarding policies on social inclusion. (English) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]