Vice Chair of the Criminal Justice Acquired Brain Injury Group, Professor Huw Williams, has written an article for 'Magistrate' magazine - the publication of the Magistrates Association.
The article, which is attached in full via this link, discusses brain development, brain injuries and their impact and goes on to discuss how people committing crimes have a higher incident of acquired brain injury and are more likely to reoffend.
Professor Williams said, 'Magistrates make up 85% of the judiciary. They sit in criminal, family and youth courts listening to evidence and making decisions. It is therefore really important that they understand acquired brain injury and how it can affect people. It is often a hidden disability and will not always be apparent or even appear in case notes.'
The article notes that courts, police and probation need to work together to reduce the chances of imprisonment for those most vulnerable. Addressing the therapeutic needs of children, young people and adults in the criminal justice system is crucial.
The Criminal Justice Acquired Brain Injury Interest Group (CJABIIG) aims to raise awareness of the large number of people in the criminal justice system (CJS) with an acquired brain injury. The group is focussing on the need for better screening in all areas of the CJS and is assisting groups with training and information.
UKABIF is central to CJABIIG's organisation and development providing the secretariat for the group and providing a direct link with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Acquired Brain Injury.
UKABIF is a registered charity number 1128284 and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales Company Number: 6520608. Address of the Company's Registered Office: 124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX
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