Summary
The aim of this project is to build capacity within the criminal justice system in the area of investigating people with problematic alcohol consumption, and mental health and cognitive disabilities, by refining earlier methods. It also aims to produce a training resource focused on enhancing the ability of future researchers to investigate the complex and intersecting factors and events relevant to this area of study. In addition, the project will train a data manager, who will further add to capacity building in this area.
Knowledge in this area has, in the past, been fragmented. This project takes a data-linkage approach which will allow a more systematic approach to interventions to be developed.
Outcomes
The results of this project have led to a deeper understanding of how alcohol contributes to the pathway people with mental and cognitive disabilities take into and through the criminal justice system.
In addition to increasing knowledge through data-linkage, this project has also produced a Protocol and Training Resource, which will be made available to government and non-government organisations and is of interest to any organisation that works with clients with complex needs. The project also not only successfully trained a data manager in specialised data management and analysis skills, but also increased the skill base of an undergraduate student who was attached to the project for a short time. The student learned data-linkage, merging and analysis skills.
