Second Chance Act Reentry for Kansas

Prevalence rates of brain injury within the criminal legal system are staggering, with a conservative estimate at 65 percent but reaching as high as 95 percent in specific vulnerable populations, such as female offenders. Additionally, the recidivism rates for people with brain injury are double that of their peers without brain injury. There is research that indicates a correlation between high criminogenic risk and brain injury. Through screening, support, and referral, the outcome of this project is to address the identified criminogenic risk and reduce recidivism for individuals with brain injury in the justice system.

This project by the National Association of State Head Injury Administrators seeks to reduce recidivism and increase community engagement for justice-involved individuals who screen for high criminogenic risk and who also screen positive for a history of brain injury in the Wyandotte County (Kansas) Detention Center (WCDC). The project will screen inmates who are within 90 days prerelease from the Wyandotte County Detention Center for brain injury and subsequent challenges using the Online Brain Injury Screening and Support System. It is anticipated that approximately 250 inmates will be screened annually. Those who screen positive for brain injury and associated impairment through the Online Brain Injury Screening and Support System will be provided a neuropsychological screen using the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metric—Core Battery (approximately 188). Individuals who have been found to have a brain injury will be screened for criminogenic risk and risk of reoffending through the Ohio Risk Assessment System (an estimated 141 inmates will be screened annually based on the potential of 75 percent screening positive for brain injury). Intensive case management will be provided to those who screen positive for high risk of reoffending and brain injury to ensure a successful reintegration into the community and connection to community providers.