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<p>The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is committed to meeting the needs of all vulnerable
people who come into contact with the criminal justice system, including those with
neurodivergent conditions such as autism. We understand the importance of working
closely with partners across government to support this cohort.</p><p>That is why
the Ministry of Justice have commissioned HMI Prisons and Probation, with support
from HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, to conduct an
Independent Call for Evidence (CfE) on neurodiversity in the criminal justice system.
The scope of the CfE includes requiring the police to provide a more holistic picture
of a neurodivergent individual’s contact with the CJS. The review was launched on
18<sup>th</sup> December 2020, with findings planned to be published in Summer 2021.</p><p>The
findings of this CfE will inform a national neurodiversity training toolkit for frontline
staff in the Criminal Justice System that was announced in our Sentencing White Paper
and we will work closely with the Home Office on next steps to support the needs of
neurodivergent individuals that enter the CJS.</p><p>Furthermore, the Department of
Health and Social Care are currently leading a refresh of the cross-government Autism
Strategy, and the MoJ contribution to the strategy includes work to improve data capture
on autism, and to increase – through training and awareness – the ability of prison
and probation staff to better understand and support individuals with autism.</p><p>The
MoJ is also working with officials across government, including the Home Office, as
part of the Cabinet Office-led National Strategy for Disabled People. This represents
an opportunity to develop cross-government wide policies to support people with disabilities,
including autism.</p>
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