A Commons Justice Committee report, to which Headway provided evidence, found adult offenders were more likely to have suffered head injuries, stating that 49-72% of young people in custody had previously experienced one. The report also called for better screening of brain injury and more support for those affected.
The number of young adults in the criminal justice system, who are mostly men, has fallen in recent years, but figures suggest 18 to 25-year-olds still account for up to 40% of the total. They also have the highest reconviction rate, with 75% returning to crime within two years of being released.
The authors of the report said flawed interventions, set up by the Ministry of Justice and carried out by the National Offender Management Service, did not recognise young adults' needs and prevented them getting out of a cycle of crime.
Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway, said “We welcomed this report which highlights a very important issue. There is clear evidence that survivors of a brain injury are over-represented in the criminal justice system and this needs urgently addressing.
“It is vital that all agencies better identify brain injury at the earliest possible stage in the criminal justice system in order for appropriate support and rehabilitation to be provided, which in turn should help reduce reoffending rates.”
The report also claimed that offenders aged between 18 and 25 were 10 times more likely to have a learning disability or autistic disorder. You can read the full report on the Parliament.uk website.
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