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ADHD: Impact on Prison Rehabilitation and Reoffending

01 July 2025

Lead MP

Tessa Munt
Wells
LD

Responding Minister

Sir Nicholas Dakin

Tags

Justice & CourtsEmployment
Word Count: 4239
Other Contributors: 8

At a Glance

Tessa Munt raised concerns about adhd: impact on prison rehabilitation and reoffending in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

The need for a holistic approach that co-ordinates health and social care to act as a bridge between the criminal justice system and wider community services should be prioritised. The debate calls for better screening, support, and understanding of ADHD within the prison environment to improve rehabilitation and reduce reoffending rates.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Wells
Opened the debate
Studies suggest that up to a quarter of people in UK prisons meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, while just 3% to 4% of the general population are identified as living with ADHD. The identification and management of neurodiverse individuals, including those with ADHD, is described as 'patchy, inconsistent and uncoordinated' across the criminal justice system.

Government Response

Sir Nicholas Dakin
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice
Government Response
The Minister thanked Members for their contributions and highlighted the prevalence of neurodiversity in prisons, noting that around half of prisoners have some kind of neurodivergent need. He outlined current measures such as guidance and training for probation staff to understand ADHD and commissioned neurodiversity specialists in five regions. Additionally, he mentioned neurodiversity support managers in all public prisons who improve processes to identify and support prisoners with neurodivergent needs, provide training for prison staff, and ensure reasonable adjustments are made to the prison environment. The Minister also announced a final update to the cross-Government neurodiversity action plan later in the year, aiming to further improve outcomes for neurodivergent people. Announced progress in supporting neurodiverse individuals within youth custody, including the procurement of a new needs assessment tool and highlighted work on women's justice issues.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy

About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.