The Governance of Young Males with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) within the Youth Justice System

Abstract

This research critically examines principal challenges for children and young people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) within key youth justice domains. Through policy and practice, the discourse of ‘risk’ promotes key tensions between the identification of, and responses to, the needs of children and young people and offending prevention. A growing body of evidence demonstrates the correlation of disproportionate numbers of children and young people with ADHD under the auspices of the youth justice system. This is exacerbated through a lack of early identification, appropriate intervention measures and support, through the various stages of the youth justice system. Drawing on primary research undertaken with youth justice practitioners, associated multi-agency staff and third sector organisations, this research explores the limited understanding and awareness of ADHD. Significantly, it highlights the underlying difficulties and contributory negative influences, which children and young people with this condition face, and especially in the perpetuation of criminal justice contact. Key findings of this qualitative study identify essential training needs for practitioners involved in youth justice and wider services, in order to recognise and respond effectively to this vulnerable group. Additionally, due to multi-faceted, influencing factors constituted in social, educational and criminal justice domains, this group of children and young people are more susceptible to processes of labelling and negative responses within a ‘politics of behaviour’ (Rodger 2012:12).