Events

Overview

Local and international surveys of both head injuries with loss of consciousness and chronic substance abuse are suggestive of very high rates - around 60 per cent - of acquired brain injury (ABI) among detainees in juvenile justice and adult corrections. While the problems of cognition and behaviour specific to ABI place offenders at high risk of re-offending and re-incarceration, ABI receives little recognition and attention throughout the criminal justice system.

This paper will summarise the findings of Brain Injury Australia's policy paper on people with an ABI and the criminal justice system recently completed for the Australian Government, including: a review of “fitness to plead” and bail provisions and the availability of diversion from local courts in each jurisdiction for people with an ABI; new, detailed information on prisoner cohorts from two Australian jurisdictions; and the availability, and efficacy, of programs in behaviour management and modification.

The Productivity Commission's recently released "Report on Government Services 2011" estimated the real net operating expenditure per prisoner per day was $207.

The paper will conclude that addressing the specific needs of offenders with an acquired brain injury "upstream" of the criminal justice system is, manifestly, an exercise in crime prevention.

Speaker:  Nick Rushworth, Executive Officer , Brain Injury Australia

Brain Injury Australia is the national peak acquired brain injury (ABI) advocacy organisation.  In 1996, armed with a bicycle, Nick attacked two cars. The cars won, but Nick’s recovery from a severe traumatic brain injury was exceptional. Formerly a producer with the Nine Television Network’s “Sunday” program and ABC Radio National, Nick’s journalism has won a number of awards, including a Silver World Medal at the New York Festival and a TV Week Logie Award.

Who should attend

Lawyers, magistrates, psychologists, Department of Justice/ Correctional Services staff, police.

When: Tuesday 28 February 2012
Time: 1pm-2pm
Where: AFA Forum Room, 26 Harry Chan Avenue, Darwin.
Cost: $55.00

Complete the registration form and forward to:
Karen Beach
Law Society Northern Territory
Professional Development Officer
GPO Box 2388, Darwin NT 0801
Fax: 08 8941 1623
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Ph: 08 8981 5104

The content of the presentation reflects Brain Injury Australia's 2010-2011 policy paper on people with an acquired brain injury and the criminal justice system - prepared for the Australian Government's Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA). It is downloadable from; www.braininjuryaustralia.org.au