Preventing crime and promoting rights for Indigenous young people with cognitive disabilities and mental health issues

Australian Human Rights Commission, Calma T (2008)
Preventing crime and promoting rights for Indigenous young people with cognitive disabilities and mental health issues. (Report no. 3)
Canberra: Australian Human Rights Commission

This publication investigates early intervention and diversionary practices aimed at preventing criminal behaviour in Indigenous youth suffering from a mental illness and/or cognitive disability. Points of critical intervention are analysed and an alternative framework is proposed based on effective and holistic intervention.

The literature reviewed for this report stated that:

• Indigenous youth in the criminal justice system are 4 to 5 times more likely to have a cognitive disability than the general population
• Indigenous understanding of cognitive disability and mental illness is related to interpersonal relationships and cultural identity
• Disability issues are secondary to cultural identity
• Social, economic and cultural factors are related to high incidences of cognitive disability and mental illness in this group
• The education system has not effectively handled this issue
• Substance misuse is a major problem

The report highlights that there are currently no specific intervention or diversion programs that target Indigenous youth with mental health problems or a cognitive disability however, crime prevention initiatives are available. Recommendations from the report focus on knowledge translation, education and awareness, support for effective programs and policy processes.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

• Further information:
  • View report (HTML)
  • View report (PDF – 4.2MB – large file warning!)
  • View website: Australian Human Rights Commission
  • Report calls for programs that divert young people from incarceration
    View media release: Australian Human Rights Commission (14 November 2008)

• Contact details:
  • Australian Human Rights Commission, Level 8 Piccadilly Tower, 133 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000, GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001, ph: (02) 9284 9600, fax: (02) 9284 9611