This review explores neurodiversity in the criminal justice system (CJS). HM Inspectorate of Prisons led on this work, supported by HM Inspectorate of Probation and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS). It was commissioned by the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice.

Read the report, as well as an easy read version and service user perspectives, on the CJJI website.

In this review, we explore how the needs of neurodivergent people are being identified and met within the CJS.

We conducted a call for evidence, consultations on personal experience of neurodivergence, round table events with experts and remote fieldwork in police forces, probation services and prisons.

In their introduction to the review, the Chief Inspectors from the three inspectorates said that:

“The report makes six short recommendations, including an overarching recommendation about coordination, that will, we hope, set out a course for ministers on what needs to be done. It will take time and commitment to make the changes that we suggest, but we believe that it is possible to transform the experiences and outcomes for those with neurodivergent needs.”

Charlie Taylor, HMI Prisons
Justin Russell, HMI Probation
Sir Thomas Winsor, HMICFRS