Nursing in forensic care settings

Learning disability nurses work with people with a learning disability whose behaviour has brought them to the attention of the police, or the courts. This could be in a specialist hospital setting, a prison, or in the community. With the right care and support, all people can be helped to reshape their lives, based on a compelling and meaningful vision of a better future.

Regardless of setting, nurses with an interest in forensic care, have a unique set of skills which allow them to build supportive and therapeutic relationships with individuals. Learning disability nurses working within the health and justice system provide highly specialised support and intervention, often working with individuals for a long period of time, with an exacting focus on recovery and habilitation.

They lead in the development of detailed and personalised approaches, about how to work creatively to enrich peoples’ lives, as well as helping them stay safe and out of trouble.