ADHD APART
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Awareness Programme and Responsibility Training.
Paying attention to ADHD in the Criminal Justice System Project of the Dorset ADHD Support Group Our vision is that children and young people with ADHD are supported to achieve the same outcomes as all children, including in relation to health, education, employment, housing opportunities and prevented from entering our Criminal Justice System.
We aim to assure that families and young people are supported in order to prevent family breakdown associated with the responsibilities of caring for a child/young person with ADHD and that professionals to be more effective and more coordinated in delivering services.
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Sadly, many young people and adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may become involved with the Criminal Justice System.
The information on this site aims to assist all professionals working in the Criminal Justice System who may come into contact with someone who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, particularly police officers, solicitors, barristers, magistrates, justices of the peace, the judiciary and the courts.
It is based on the experiences of people who work with individuals with ADHD and of people with ADHD. Why it is important to know if a person has ADHD It may not be immediately obvious to the general public, or to criminal justice professionals, that the person they have encountered has particular needs. His or her unusual behaviour may invite the attention of others, but in general ADHD is a hidden disability.
Many of those with ADHD may experience difficulties with communication, social interaction and may develop strong, narrow obsessional interests and may suffer from high levels of anxiety resulting from their inability to make sense of what is going on around them.
If the behaviour of a person with ADHD has become unacceptable, the desired change in behaviour may not easily come about as a result of a warning, (written or verbal) or, for example, the issue of an ASBO (Anti-social Behaviour Order) unless there is particular support or intervention. It is important that the person with ADHD properly understands the consequences of their actions and the impact their behaviour may have on others. Lack of understanding People with ADHD often do not understand the implications of their actions, or the motivation of others. Due to difficulties with social imagination, problems with flexibility of thought and a tendency towards obsessive and repetitive behaviour an individual with ADHD may not learn from past experiences.
Some, therefore, may become the victims or repeat their behaviour if not offered the appropriate support and intervention.
A better education and understanding of ADHD is required by all working within the Criminal Justice System
"We need to take a look at who is in our jails and whether a health or a criminal justice approach is more appropriate,“ Say's Margaret Alsop Chairperson for the Dorset ADHD Support Group.
National Institute Clinical Excellence
The consequences of severe ADHD for children, their families and for society can be very serious. Children can develop poor self-esteem, emotional and social problems and their educational attainment is frequently impaired.
The pressure on families can be extreme. The signs of ADHD may persist into
adolescence and adulthood and may be associated with continuing emotional and social problems, unemployment, Criminality and substance misuse.
ADHD APART 3 Mountbatten Close Wyke Regis Weymouth Dorset DT4 9ET For further information on training please E-mail Margaret Alsop