In 2021, the Criminal Justice Joint Inspectorate launched a call for evidence into ‘neurodiversity’ in the criminal justice system and subsequently published their findings in June of the same year. The report highlighted the scale of the challenges faced by neurodivergent people who are both overrepresented in the prison population and experience poorer justice outcomes. This article discusses the emergence and work of the Neurodivergence in Criminal Justice Network (NiCJN), a group of researchers, practitioners and community members interested in addressing the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals drawn into the criminal justice system. The article will provide an overview of what we currently know about the issues faced by neurodivergent people in the criminal justice system – whether as suspects, defendants, victims or witnesses – and some of the work the network undertakes to address these challenges. Details on how to learn more about, join and get involved with the network are provided. Overall, the aim of the article is to encourage awareness of the NICJN so that those who share its vision about improving the lives of and criminal justice outcomes for neurodivergent individuals can get involved.
Connecting research, professionals and lived experience to improve criminal justice practice
