Prevalence of Brain Injury within the Criminal Court system is undeniable. One Ontario study found that men and women who sustained a brain injury were about 2.5 times more likely to be incarcerated than men and women who had not sustained one. The research shows a larger picture of a more serious perspective on how brain injury can affect individuals in ways that could impact their likelihood in getting involved with the law.
LIVING STORIES
Addressing the Needs of Young People with Traumatic Brain Injury in the Criminal Justice System
Approximately 50% of young people who have been charged with an offense have a documented history of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). This video was created to raise awareness and understanding regarding the high prevalence of TBI in youth justice and the impact this can have on the justice trajectory. Created by the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation.
The Invisible Me
The Invisible Me was produced by the Toronto Police Service with the direction of the Toronto Police Service Disabilities Community Consultative Committee as a training tool for police officers. The Committee was assembled in 2016, to help strengthen partnerships within the diverse communities of Torontonians living with disabilities. The committee is comprised of police officers of different ranks, as well as members, service providers and advocates from the community.
Challenges of Brain Injury
In this video, two men living with the effects of brain injury discuss the challenges they have faced when dealing with the legal system. Explore aspects of brain injury as they pertain to those living with the effects.
COMMON BARRIERS
Common Systematic Barriers
-As They Pertain to Brain Injury Survivors-
It is important to acknowledge the factors in a person’s environment, which, through their absence or presence, limit functioning and create further barriers. For an individual with a brain injury these ‘Systematic Barriers’ greatly impact the individuals rights and/or abilities to navigate effectively and fairly through the legal system.
The following are common systematic barriers which are important factors to consider when having to navigate important matters such as legal matters or the legal system.