Learning difficulties support inquiry welcomed

Rethinking Crime and Punishment has welcomed an inquiry into school system support for students with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism spectrum disorders.

"The available evidence suggests that a high proportion of our prison population have learning difficulties that are associated with dropping out from school and criminal offending," said Rethinking executive director, Ced Simpson.

Parliament's Education and Science Committee announced the inquiry today.

"Investment in better support for children with such difficulties is much needed for the sake of the individuals involved, and can be expected to reduce much higher costs associated with the criminal justice system later in their lives."

Results from a NZ Ministry of Education screening tool trialed in 2008 on 197 prison inmates showed that 90% were not functionally literate, and British, American and Swedish studies estimate that 30-50% of prisoners are dyslexic.

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