Rehabilitation among individuals with traumatic brain injury who intersect with the criminal justice system: A scoping review

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, is highly prevalent among individuals who intersect with the criminal justice system (CJS). It is well-established that TBI negatively impacts individuals' interactions both within the CJS and upon release and is associated with serious disciplinary charges and higher recidivism rates. Although rehabilitation is fundamental to TBI recovery, it is not known to what extent rehabilitation is available to, or used by, individuals who intersect with the CJS. This scoping review explores the availability and extent of rehabilitation for individuals with TBI who intersect with the CJS, based on available literature. A systematic search of electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL Register of Clinical Trials, CINAHL, APA PsycINFO, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts, and Proquest Nursing and Allied Health), relevant organizations' websites, and reference lists of eligible articles identified 22 peer-reviewed articles and 2 gray literature reports that met predetermined eligibility criteria. Extracted data were synthesized through a descriptive numerical summary and qualitative content analysis. This review provides evidence that existing rehabilitation interventions are already serving individuals with TBI with a history of CJS involvement; however, they rarely consider or acknowledge TBI or CJS in their interventions. Findings also suggest opportunities to integrate rehabilitation for individuals with TBI who intersect with the CJS through TBI screening, education on TBI within CJS settings, and linkages to the community to facilitate continuity of care. This review also highlights significant gaps in knowledge regarding sex, gender, and other intersecting factors. Research to understand how these experiences impact the rehabilitation process throughout the CJS is urgently needed to enable timely and appropriate rehabilitation and continuity of care for diverse individuals with TBI who intersect with the CJS.

Implementing Interventions for Women and Youth with Traumatic Brain Injury at Transition from Custodial Settings: A Call to Action

“…40,71 Youth that are incarcerated can be at a crossroads in their involvement in criminal justice, with some becoming persistent in criminal involvement and others desisting as they reach maturity, and there is opportunity here to intervene and support desistance. 64 A recent systematic review by de Geus et al 72 and a scoping review by Chan et al 44 summarize interventions for people with TBI in criminal justice and forensic settings. Some key issues are highlighted, including the need for screening for TBI, an important role for education of people with TBI in the criminal justice system and staff who work with them, the feasibility of introducing programs and a need to further consider demographic issues including gender and ethnicity.…”

“…A recent systematic review by de Geus et al 72 and a scoping review by Chan et al 44 summarize interventions for people with TBI in criminal justice and forensic settings. Some key issues are highlighted, including the need for screening for TBI, an important role for education of people with TBI in the criminal justice system and staff who work with them, the feasibility of introducing programs and a need to further consider demographic issues including gender and ethnicity.…”

“…[41][42][43] And yet, a recent scoping review of interventions for people with TBI who are entangled with the criminal justice system found few interventions focused on TBI and limited research on identification and accommodation of TBI. 44 Care is fragmented, and accommodations are often not specific to the needs of people with TBI.…”

“…This results in under-identification of people with TBI leading to their needs being unaccommodated and untreated. [44][45][46] Women and youth occupy a minority position in the criminal justice system and experience considerable vulnerability. 47,48 The separation of mother and child due to imprisonment has dire consequences for families.…”

“…This results in under-identification of people with TBI leading to their needs being unaccommodated and untreated. 44–46 …”