A British Institute for Brain Injured Children survey of 53 youthoffending teams found that 35 per cent of Asbos imposed on under-17sinvolved children with neurological disorders or learning difficulties.ADHD was the condition involved in two-fifths of these cases.
Pam Knight, the institute's director of policy and communications, saidAsbos should not be given to those with such problems. "Asbos are a goodtool but those who receive them must be able to adhere to and understandthe terms and conditions imposed," she said. "It's completelyinappropriate - like asking someone with epilepsy to stop fitting."
A Home Office spokeswoman said the Government had issued guidance in anattempt to ensure that learning difficulties and neurological disordersare taken into account by courts when issuing Asbos.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
