The Centre for Adolescent Health is delighted to be hosting Dr Nathan Hughes who joins the MCRI for two years as Marie Curie Research Fellow, supported by a prestigious European Union scholarship. He is also Visiting Senior Fellow at the Melbourne School of Government. Nathan is based in the UK as Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Policy at the University of Birmingham.
Whilst in Melbourne, Nathan is undertaking a programme of research concerned with the application of biological and neurosciences to law and social policy. In particular, he is interested in explanations regarding patterns of offending amongst young people with neurodevelopmental disorders, and their implications for policy and practice within the criminal justice system. Nathan’s previous research has highlighted consistent evidence of a high incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders amongst offending populations, particularly those in custodial institutions. It identifies a range of difficulties with youth justice practices, including in needs assessment and responsive, specialist intervention.
By engaging with experts across the Campus, Nathan hopes to inform a range of practical developments in policy and practice. As he says, “Whilst research consistently demonstrates that youth justice systems continue to punish young people for the risks and vulnerabilities associated with their neurodevelopmental difficulties, advances in biological and neurosciences have the potential to inform practices better able to meet the needs of this vulnerable population. This offers grounds for optimism in the future development of services and support based on our improved understandings of neurodisability.”
“Improvements in screening and assessment can ensure earlier identification and intervention. Training of key staff can ensure recognition of the challenges facing those with neurodisability in engaging with the youth justice system. Interventions that respond appropriately to the needs of these young people can ensure more effective and cost efficient support to prevent the onset of anti-social behaviour and break a common cycle of persistent and serious offending.”