More support needed for brain-injured young offenders
- Oct 27, 2016
- EmmaArnold
A new report has called for more support for young adult offenders who may have a brain injury.
The Commons Justice Committee found these individuals were more likely to have suffered a head injury in the past stating 49-72% have previously experienced one.
Headway, the brain injury charity, provided evidence for the report and argue brain injury needs to be identified at the earliest possible stage in the criminal justice system.
Amy Wilmott, personal injury solicitor at PotterReesDolan, said:
I am very pleased that the Government has highlighted this important issue. The report outlines that the Centre for Mental Health has estimated that a traumatic brain injury increases the likelihood of crime by at least 50% which is a staggering statistic.
It is clear that more understanding needs to be given to those people affected by traumatic brain injuries, so that the system recognises these individuals and provides them with the help and support that they require.
Once a brain in jury has been identified, appropriate support and rehabilitation should be provided which should then reduce their rates of re-offending.
Although the number of young adults in the criminal justice system has fallen in recent years, 40% of those are 18 to 25-year-olds who also have the highest re-conviction rate.
The report also found offenders of this age group are ten times more likely to have a learning disability or autism.
Read our previous comment on the link between brain injury and criminal behaviour here.