Gateshead Autism Strategy 2025-2030
Priority 5: criminal justice and youth justice
I statements
- I am 'seen' as an autistic person and my reasonable adjustments are accommodated.
- I am supported to stay out of the criminal justice system with proactive support at an earlier age.
Where are we now?
Following the Criminal Justice Joint Inspection review of evidence into Neurodivergence in the Criminal Justice System, it is believed that approximately half of people in prison are neurodivergent (it doesn't specifically identify autism separately).
Additionally Neurodiversity - a whole-child approach for youth justice report by Professor Amanda Kirby, suggests that at least one in three people moving through the justice system are thought to be neurodivergent.
Our commitment
Continue to support the existing work across the criminal justice system.
In the Youth Justice team, alongside Children & Young People colleagues, work closely with the autism assessment service to ensure those who need it can access a timely assessment.
What we will do
Explore with youth and criminal justice colleagues, what extra training (aside of any mandatory training) would help support them to be able to support autistic people who are in the justice system.
Capture experiences from autistic people, their families as the professionals involved in their lives to clarify if there if any indicators/events that might have provided earlier insight and possibly triggered more support.
What does good look like?
For autistic people in the justice system to able to be listened to and feel understood. For a reduction in the number of autistic people entering the justice system.