Such offenders may not be given probation because they are often thought to be poor risks. The handicapped offender literally falls into the cracks and seams of a system designed for people who are either offenders or handicapped, but not both. This training program is designed to improve the response of criminal justice agencies to MHO's. It explores the facts and fallacies concerning the MHO, identifying the mentally retarded from the mentally disturbed, as well as causes and indicators. The program also identifies specific behaviors likely to bring the mentally retarded and mentally disturbed to the attention of the law and emphasizes the importance of special handling procedures for the MHO for probation or parole, as well as knowledge helpful in using community resources that are available to help the MHO. (Author abstract modified)