The Importance of ADHD Awareness in the Criminal Justice System
Crime and ADHD are sadly linked. However, it does not have to be this way. There is a way to end the ADHD-to-prison pipeline. If we address ADHD in the criminal justice system and in the rest of the world, we can reduce crime and create more positive outcomes for those with ADHD.
Criminal Behavior
Impulsivity can lead to unwanted behavior. Some of this unwanted behavior can be criminal behavior. Moreover, we see people return to jail because they missed their court date. Forgetfulness is not forgiven in the criminal justice system. But, if we can identify those with ADHD and give them the supports they need, they will be less likely to act impulsively or forget about a court date. If we want to prevent crime, ADHD must be identified. By addressing ADHD, we address crime.
Behavior in Prison
According to Wright et al (2014), the rate of ADHD in prisons is 25%. This means a good number of those we incarcerate have ADHD. It, therefore, follows then that some prisoners who do not behave in prison will have ADHD. The impulsivity of ADHD can lead to all sorts of trouble in prison. However, if inmates with ADHD are identified and treated, we can reduce impulsive behavior that leads to trouble within prison.
Recidivism
Recidivism (a fancy word for repeat offending) has been linked to ADHD (Langevin and Curnoe, 2011). If we truly want to reduce the recidivism rate, ADHD should be screened for in the criminal justice system. When we identify those offenders who have ADHD, we can intervene and give them the support they need. By ignoring ADHD, we ignore a key element of their behavior that can lead to re-offending.
How to Create ADHD Awareness in the Criminal Justice System
ADHD awareness in the criminal jsutice system starts with just one or two people. If you are reading this and want to make a difference, start talking about ADHD to anyone who will listen. Furthermore, if you are someone who works or volunteers in the criminal justice system, I want to talk to you. Contact me to set up a time to talk. I have ideas.
Sources:
Langevin, R., & Curnoe, S. (2011). Psychopathy, ADHD, and Brain Dysfunction as Predictors of Lifetime Recidivism among Sex Offenders. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 55(1), 5–26.
Wright, J. P., Tibbetts, S. G., & Daigle, L. E. (2014). Criminals in the Making: Criminality Across the Life Course (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.