2023 Expert meeting on Brain Sciences and Children Accused of Crimes
The Global Initiative on Justice With Children in collaboration with the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences of the University of Exeter, UK hosted a three-day expert meeting that focused on brain sciences and its profound impact on children accused of crimes.
This meeting brought together experts, professionals, and advocates to drive positive change in our approach to end criminalisation of children with neurodisabilities.
On the first day of the meeting we hosted a captivating simulation at the Geneva offices of Baker McKenzie Switzerland. This immersive experience allowed us to step into the shoes of children and young people within child-serving systems, fostering interactive discussions and innovative solutions for their well-being and rights.
On the second day of the meeting, we immersed ourselves in profound discussions centered around four key themes:
1️ Research Evidence on Children with Neurodisability in Contact with the Law: Size and Scope of the Problem.
2️ Unmet Clinical Needs of Children with Neurodisability in the Criminal Justice System.
3️ Responses to Children with Neurodisability from the Criminal Justice System.
4️ Judicial and Legal Instruments to Reduce Criminalization of Children with Neurodisabilities.
On the third day, the meeting culminated in a powerful call to action. We committed to translating our insights into tangible change and presented key ideas for action.
Excitingly, this led to the creation of the ground-breaking initiative: the Working Group on Neurosciences and Child Justice.
