Minority Group

There have been many remarkable changes and advances in the recognition of the rights of minority groups, such as those with a learning disability and mental health problems. Mental Health legislations have sought to empower and protect these minority groups, such as The Mental Health Act (MHA) (1983), now superseded by the MHA 2007, and the Community care Act (1990). The Scottish executive (2005) highlights mental health promotion and stresses the importance of considering the child's global environment, recognising elements which support mental health and well being. The fundamental principle of the health resource is to educate this minority group, by treating the person as a individual, living in unique circumstances with their own personal needs, problems, human rights and aspirations. The different models of health promotion were considered when outlining the keys principles for the resource. The models examined were medical, social and educational model.

Blackburn (1999 p.250) argues that the medical model is pervasive in criminal justice due to the popular notion that 'criminals are sick'. The medical model although helpful in the diagnosis of emotional disorders is not useful in understanding anti-social behaviour (Rutter et al 1998). Baker (2005 p.14) argues that CD and ASPD are in fact 'socially constructed' disorders influenced by the medical model which attempt to explain behaviour that is not explained by any other diagnosis. If we are to understand anti-social behaviour by young people we need to understand it in terms of a social model i.e. in terms of a young person's environment and experiences.