ADHD Training for Justice Workers
Recognising ADHD and Responding Effectively Across Youth and Adult Justice Settings
1 hour 20 minutes · Self-paced online course
ADHD is significantly overrepresented within youth justice and criminal justice populations.
Yet many professionals working within justice settings receive little formal training in recognising ADHD, understanding how it presents, or appreciating how it may influence behaviour, engagement, communication and long-term outcomes.
This upcoming specialist training program has been developed to help justice professionals build a practical understanding of ADHD and its relevance within youth justice, custodial, policing, court and community-based settings.
Drawing on contemporary research, Australian clinical guidelines and real-world professional experience, this course explores the relationship between ADHD, self- regulation, behavioural difficulties, offending pathways and effective intervention approaches.
This course Will include:
- Evidence-informed research and practical case studies
- Resources and reference materials
- Practical applications for justice settings
Upcoming Course
Video on the Course & Demo
Why This Training Matters
Many behaviours associated with ADHD can be misunderstood.
Impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, difficulty following instructions, poor working memory and challenges with self-control can sometimes be interpreted as defiance, non-compliance, disengagement or a lack of motivation.
For justice professionals, these misunderstandings can have significant consequences.
Research has consistently identified ADHD as being substantially overrepresented within youth justice and criminal justice populations. Emerging evidence also suggests that many individuals remain unidentified, undiagnosed or untreated throughout their involvement with justice systems.
What You'll Learn
Develop a strong foundation in the nature of ADHD as a neurodevelopmental condition.
Topics include:
- What ADHD is and what it is not
- Core symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity
- Executive functioning and self-regulation
- ADHD across the lifespan
- Co-occurring conditions commonly seen alongside ADHD
- The impact of untreated or partially treated ADHD
- Evidence-based approaches to treatment and support
Explore the growing body of evidence examining ADHD within justice settings.
Topics include:
- ADHD prevalence in youth justice and custodial populations
- Research into offending pathways and risk factors
- ADHD and self-control
- The role of impulsivity and emotional regulation
- Recidivism and long-term outcomes
- Australian and international research findings
- Why ADHD is frequently misunderstood within justice contexts
Learn practical approaches that can improve outcomes across justice settings.
Topics include:
- ADHD identification and screening
- Assessment pathways
- Communication and engagement strategies
- Multi-disciplinary approaches to support
- Treatment and intervention options
- Collaboration across health, education and justice systems
- Contemporary principles for best-practice service delivery
Meet the Course Developer
This course has been developed through collaboration between professionals with extensive experience across ADHD, psychology, medicine, law enforcement, youth justice and research.
The curriculum draws on the work of Dr Geoff Kewley, Consultant Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician and contributors involved in ADHD, Youth Justice and Criminal Justice research initiatives and professional development programs. The course reflects current evidence, clinical practice guidelines and practical experience from professionals working across multiple sectors.
How the Course Works
The program has been designed to provide flexible, practical professional development for busy justice professionals.
Participants will progress through a series of self-paced learning modules supported by downloadable resources, research summaries, practical examples and case-based learning activities.
The content has been developed to help participants connect current ADHD research with real-world situations encountered within justice settings.
Upon completion, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Further information regarding course access, duration and delivery format will be
Who Is This Course For?
This course has been designed for professionals working within:
- Youth Justice services
- Community Corrections
- Corrective Services
- Police organisations
- Lawyers
- Courts and tribunals
- Child protection services
- Forensic mental health services
- Social work and community support services
- Government agencies
- Non-government organisations supporting vulnerable young people
It may also be valuable for policymakers, managers and leaders responsible for developing services and systems that interact with people affected by ADHD.
What Makes This Training Different?
Most ADHD education focuses on schools, workplaces or healthcare environments.
This program examines ADHD through a justice and public policy lens.
Participants will gain an understanding of how ADHD may influence behaviour, decision-making, engagement and long-term outcomes, while maintaining a balanced and evidence-based perspective on personal responsibility, rehabilitation and community safety.
The focus is not on excusing behaviour.
The focus is on understanding behaviour more accurately and responding more effectively.
By building awareness and understanding, justice professionals can play an important role in identifying vulnerabilities, improving engagement and supporting better outcomes for individuals, families and communities.
What Teachers Are Saying About the Course
Course Availability
This course is currently under development.
ADHD Lifespan is seeking expressions of interest from professionals, organisations and agencies interested in participating when the program becomes available.
Registering your interest will help us assess demand and provide updates regarding course launch dates, delivery formats, pilot programs and early access opportunities.
Express Your Interest
Let us know if you are interested in running this course for your organisation.