New resource launched to support innovation for neurodivergent young people in youth justice

Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex (Health Innovation KSS) has launched a new resource exploring how needs-led, trauma-informed innovation can better support neurodivergent children and young people in contact with the youth justice system.

Neurodivergent young people are significantly overrepresented in youth justice settings, with much higher rates of ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, and speech, language and communication needs than in the general population. Many remain under-identified or undiagnosed, meaning their needs are often misunderstood as non-compliance or risk. Re‑offending rates remain disproportionately high – not because of inherent risk, but because systems are not consistently designed to accommodate neurodiverse needs.

Funded by NHS England South East Health and Justice and developed by Health Innovation KSS in partnership with Peer Power, the new resource brings together research evidence, feedback from Youth Offending Team leaders across the South East, and the voices of neurodivergent young people with lived experience of youth justice.

Young people shared their perspectives through a Peer Power‑led focus group, highlighting what helps, what harms and what needs to change. Alongside this, the project included a review of current and emerging innovations, building on a 2024 Horizon Scan, and the development of practical principles and a checklist to support commissioners, system leaders and innovators.

Becca Randell, Mental Health Lead at Health Innovation KSS, said:

“This resource brings together lived experience, system insight and real-world innovation to address a critical gap in how we support neurodivergent children and young people in youth justice settings. It highlights the urgent need for approaches that are not only innovative, but equitable, ethical and grounded in the realities of those delivering and receiving support. By centring young people’s voices, we hope to inspire more inclusive, needs-led innovation that can improve outcomes and reduce inequalities across the system.”

Peter Gates, NHSE Health and Justice South East Children and Young People Commissioning Manager, said:

“NHSE South East Health and Justice has funded this work and worked in collaboration with Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex and Peer Power to highlight the importance of recognising the impact of neurodiversity within youth justice and the experience of children involved in criminal justice services and settings. By improving understanding and tailoring support, we can help ensure children are treated fairly, reduce inequalities, and improve outcomes across the health and justice system.”

The resource is designed to support innovators, commissioners and system leaders working across youth justice, health and related sectors.

Download the resource

Event: Exploring innovation for neurodiversity in youth justice settings

To accompany the launch of the resource, on Tuesday 19 May Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex held an online event exploring the principles and opportunities highlighted. Peer Power, a national charity supporting young people aged 13–25 with experience of youth justice and care services, brought together key insights from their empathy-led workshop, and innovators highlighted practical examples and opportunities to support neurodivergent young people in contact with the justice system.

Over 170 attendees joined live, with a further 80 signed up, representing a diverse cross-section of the system, including youth offending services, mental health services, innovation organisations, and VCSE partners. The event successfully sparked engagement and collaboration between attendees, forming crucial partnerships between key stakeholders both within our region and nationally.

Watch the recording here