Traumatic brain injury support decreases likelihood of returning to prison, saves taxpayer money
A team of Indiana University School of Medicine scientists has developed and tested a new intervention for incarcerated people with traumatic brain injuries. The approach has already shown promising results in preventing people from returning to prison or facing repeat arrest.
A team of Indiana University School of Medicine scientists developed an intervention for incarcerated individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). A trial involving 91 Putnamville Correctional Facility inmates found that those receiving education, coping skills training, anger management, and post-release neuro case management had a 17% return rate to prison compared to 46% for the control group.
Additionally, RCBI participants had a 43% rearrest rate versus 86% for controls. These results led to a 35% reduction in related criminal justice expenses, saving taxpayer money. TBI is much more common in the justice system—estimated at 60% compared to 8.5% in the general population—often going undiagnosed. Study lead Devan R. Parrott, Ph.D., noted that participants often saw their struggles as personal failings until they understood their brain injury.
The researchers believe that identifying TBI and providing education, rehabilitation, and support is crucial for improving lives, strengthening public safety, and reducing incarceration costs.
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