There is a startling over-population of adults with ADHD in the United States correction system. To address this issue, ADDA formed the ADDA Work Group on ADHD and Correctional Health. The mission of the ADDA Work Group and Corrections Committee is to raise awareness of ADHD in the United States correctional and justice systems and to develop national policy for the recognition, evidence based diagnosis and treatment of youth and adult offenders challenged by ADHD and its co-occurring disorders.
The group consists of national experts in correctional health services, ADHD treatment specialists, and other professionals in mental health and corrections/justice management fields, who have gathered information about individuals facing ADHD challenges in correctional facilities.
In January of 2014, the group released a white paper that discusses best practices for the identification and treatment of ADHD. The goal of the white paper is to raise awareness and initiate changes in the way correctional institutions identify and treat ADHD. It provides recommendations for the screening and treatment of ADHD within the corrections system. These recommendations are based on research and the experiences of those involved in the ADHD Corrections Project in Delaware. Addressing these issues improves inmate behavior while incarcerated, reduces recidivism, and improves success upon release.
To find out more about how ADHD affects individuals in the justice system or for more information on what ADDA’s Correctional Health/Justice Committee is doing to change the way ADHD is identified and treated in the correctional setting, visit http://adhdjustice.add.org/.
