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Chapter 7 - Overview of Young People with Neurodevelopmental Impairments in Contact with the Youth Justice System

from Section 1 - An Overview: Definitions, Epidemiology and Policy Issues

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 May 2023

By
Prathiba Chitsabesan ,
Nathan Hughes  and
Huw Williams
Edited by
Jane M. McCarthy ,
Regi T. Alexander  and
Eddie Chaplin
Jane M. McCarthy
Affiliation:
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and University of Auckland
Regi T. Alexander
Affiliation:
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and University of Hertfordshire
Eddie Chaplin
Affiliation:
Institute of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University
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Summary

This chapter summarises the findings from relevant national and international research studies exploring neurodevelopmental impairment among young people who offend and describes the potential role of these disorders in developmental pathways for the onset of antisocial behaviour. In particular, we consider the increased exposure to social and environmental risk for offending resulting from neurodevelopmental impairment and disabling and criminalising processes that these young people are subjected to, including within the criminal justice system. Dismantling these barriers requires recognition, understanding, resources and awareness. Age-appropriate accommodations are needed to ensure that children affected by impairments have their rights respected, protected and fulfilled in criminal proceedings.

Keywords

Neurodevelopmental impairmentcriminalisationdevelopmental pathwaysrights of the childneurodevelopmental disordersexecutive functioningcognitive empathy
Type
Chapter
Information
Forensic Aspects of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
A Clinician's Guide
 , pp. 71 - 83
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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