Legal professionals’ knowledge and experience of autistic adults in the family justice system

Abstract

Access to justice is a key theme in the family justice system, especially for those with particular vulnerabilities. Autism, a development condition characterised by difficulties in social communication and interaction, and the presence of rigid, repetitive behaviours, presents particular challenges in this area. This paper reports the findings of a mixed-methods study with legal professionals working in the family justice system, asking about their knowledge of autism, their perceived self-efficacy when working with autistic clients, and their experience of cases involving autistic litigants. The study reports high levels of knowledge, but low levels of confidence, by legal professionals (N = 204), and addresses the experiences of particular cases in follow-up discussions (N = 10). The paper concludes by making a series of recommendations for legal professionals to assist autistic people to engage fully in family court proceedings.     

Y-STR profiling in extended interval (> or = 3 days) postcoital cervicovaginal samples

Depending upon specific situations, some victims of sexual assault provide vaginal samples more than 36-48 h after the incident. We have tested the ability of commercial and in-house Y-STR systems to provide DNA profiles from extended interval (> or =3 days) postcoital samples. The commercial Y-STR systems tested included the AmpFlSTR Yfiler (Applied Biosystems), PowerPlex Y (Promega) and Y-PLEX 12 (Reliagene) products whereas the in-house systems comprised Multiplex I (MPI) and Multiplex B (MPB). Three donor couples were recruited for the study. Postcoital cervicovaginal swabs (x2) were recovered by each of the three females at specified intervals after sexual intercourse (3-7 days). Each time point sample was collected after a separate act of sexual intercourse and was preceded by a 7-day abstention period. As a negative control, a precoital swab was also recovered prior to coitus for each sampling and only data from postcoital samples that demonstrated a lack of male DNA in the associated precoital sample was used. A number of DNA profile enhancement strategies were employed including sampling by cervical brushing, nondifferential DNA extraction methodology, and post-PCR purification. Full Y-STR profiles from cervicovaginal samples recovered 3-4 days after intercourse were routinely obtained. Profiles were also obtainable 5-6 days postcoitus although by this stage partial profiles rather than full profiles were a more likely outcome. The DNA profiles from the sperm fraction of a differential lysis were superior to that obtained when a nondifferential method was employed in that the allelic signal intensities were generally higher and more balanced and exhibited less baseline noise. The incorporation of a simple post-PCR purification process significantly increased the ability to obtain Y-STR profiles, particularly from 5- to 6-day postcoital samples. Remarkably an 8 locus Y-STR profile was obtained from a 7-day postcoital sample, which is approaching the reported time limit for sperm detection in the cervix.     

Peer suicide prevention in a prison

Suicide rates among inmate populations in prisons are considerably higher than in the general population. Suicide prevention is a common need among penal institutions around the world. Traditional approaches involving only correctional staff in suicide prevention efforts have proven to have their limitations. The involvement of inmates in peer prevention efforts seems to be a reasonable alternative approach. This study examines such a program, called SAMS in the Pen, operated jointly between the prison and the Samaritans of Southern Alberta. This service, the first of its kind in Canada, involved inmate volunteers, known as SAMS, who were trained in listening skills, suicide prevention, and risk assessment. Data was collected for the research from volunteers, correctional staff, general inmate population, and professional staff. However, given the low absolute number in the one institution where the study was carried out, statistical analyses were not practical. As with any new service, the SAMS in the Pen experienced some developmental problems but was perceived to be a worthwhile service to both inmates and staff of the prison.     

Politics and economics of hospital cost containment

Voluntary and regulatory efforts toward hospital cost-containment have accelerated with rapid increases in those costs and under pressures of national health insurance. Possible causes of hospital cost inflation are examined in the context of market analysis and with reference to the nature of hospitals as institutions facing special combinations of economic and political conditions and pressures. Some details of voluntary experiments and state regulatory efforts are examined in order to assess the elements of experience to date and their relationships to causes of hospital cost inflation. Federal proposals for a regulatory cap on costs are also discussed along with a view of how such proposals are related to probable causes of hospital cost inflation and of the relevance of other experience.     

Self-extraction of teeth involving gamma-hydroxybutyric acid

A case involving self-extraction of teeth linked to the abuse of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is reported. A 28-year-old woman and her 29-year-old boyfriend were discovered by paramedics following an extensive period of GHB use. The paramedics were alerted by a neighbor who had heard screaming from the house. On presentation to the accident and emergency department, it was noted that the female had 18 fresh extraction sockets visible intra-orally. At the scene, a mirror, a pair of pliers, and a bowl containing human teeth were found. Charges of assault were taken to the courts against the boyfriend who was subsequently acquitted. Odontological evidence centered on whether or not it was possible to self-extract the teeth using the pliers found. This case is the first to describe possible oral self-mutilation under the influence of GHB and odontologists should always consider self-injury as an explanation for intra- and perio-oral injuries of unknown origin.