Young People With Traumatic Brain Injury in Custody: An Evaluation of a Linkworker Service for Barrow Cadbury Trust and The Disabilities Trust

Neurological disability (ND) is a major source of human suffering and socio-health burden. Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is one main form of ND where the brain is affected by a virus, stroke or trauma. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the main form of ABI and the leading cause of death and disability in children and young adults. TBI is widely acknowledged as a major global health and social concern.This report looks at individuals with ND who are 'at-risk' of offending and entering the Criminal Justice System (CJS). ND is a major issue in this population and TBI is particularly prevalent. For the purposes of this report we draw on the ND literature, in particular with reference to ABI and TBI. Where relevant we note the 'umbrella' of disorders referred to in specific studies and programmes. ABI and TBI are not directly interchangeable, and every individual with a ND may have various degrees of impairment severity, with limits set by society on their optimal life experience. Nevertheless, there is a substantial heterogeneity of experience across and within ND and key themes emerge that may apply to the care, treatment and support of this population.The development, organisation and evaluation of a service is discussed that addresses the needs of YP, aged 15-21 years with ND, particularly with TBI, and who are in the CJS. The term Young People who Offend (YPO) and/or Service User (SU) will be used as appropriate. The report draws conclusions from the study and makes recommendations that will optimise care, support and better outcomes for this vulnerable population

A systematic review of the prevalence of foetal alcohol syndrome disorders among young people in the criminal justice system

Given the established association between foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and risk of criminality and criminalisation, this systematic review examines the prevalence of FASD within youth justice systems. Four relevant sources were identified. Each source suggests a disproportionate prevalence in comparison to the general youth population. However, this masks significant variation between studies, and a much-heightened prevalence of FASD among Aboriginal youth in custody. The continued lack of research establishing prevalence, limits the potential for strong conclusions and suggests an imperative for improved processes of identification. This highlights systematic deficits in the ability to assess or even screen for FASD, with particular challenges for the youth justice system. Until such challenges can be resolved, it is likely that young people with FASD will remain hidden within a system in which they are at great risk of inadequate support, discrimination and criminalisation

Experiences of a digital health intervention for young people exposed to technology assisted sexual abuse:A qualitative study

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence that Technology Assisted Sexual Abuse (TASA) represents a serious problem for large numbers of children. To date, there are very few evidence-based interventions available to young people (YP) after they have been exposed to this form of abuse, and access to support services remains a challenge. Digital tools such as smartphones have the potential to increase access to mental health support and may provide an opportunity for YP to both manage their distress and reduce the possibility of further victimization. The current study explores the acceptability of a digital health intervention (DHI; the i-Minds app) which is a theory-driven, co-produced, mentalization-based DHI designed for YP aged 12-18 who have experienced TASA.METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 YP recruited through Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre and an e-therapy provider who had access to the i-Minds app as part of a feasibility clinical trial. Interviews focused on the acceptability and usability of i-Minds and were coded to themes based on the Acceptability of Healthcare Interventions framework.RESULTS: All participants found the i-Minds app acceptable. Many aspects of the app were seen as enjoyable and useful in helping YP understand their abuse, manage feelings, and change behavior. The app was seen as usable and easy to navigate, but for some participants the level of text was problematic and aspects of the content was, at times, emotionally distressing at times.CONCLUSIONS: The i-Minds app is useful in the management of TASA and helping change some risk-related vulnerabilities. The app was designed, developed and evaluated with YP who had experienced TASA and this may account for the high levels of acceptability seen.TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered on the ISRCTN registry on the 12/04/2022 as i-Minds: a digital intervention for young people exposed to online sexual abuse (ISRCTN43130832).</p