Traumatic Brain Injury is often referred to as “the silent epidemic” because many of the difficulties individuals face after they have acquired a brain injury are not immediately apparent. It is estimated that 2.5 million people sustained a traumatic brain injury in 2010 and the rate has been gradually increasing over time. A brain injury can happen to any individual at any time, yet the general population does not have a strong grasp of the symptoms and challenges associated with brain injury.
There is an overlap between individuals who have sustained a TBI and those involved in the criminal justice system. Researchers have estimated that 25-87% of incarcerated individuals have sustained a traumatic brain injury. The rate in the general population is around 8.5%. In order to provide assistance to these individuals, it is important to be aware of common symptoms, comorbidities, and treatment options.
In this training, we will discuss what a traumatic brain injury is, cognitive and physical complications, prevalence in the criminal justice system, and care management. This training is for counselors, social workers or anyone working in the criminal justice system.
At the end of this training trainees will be able to:
- Define traumatic brain injury.
- Understand the prevalence of traumatic brain injury in the criminal justice system
- Understand appropriate interaction and treatment for individuals with a traumatic brain injury.
- Identify common challenges experienced by those with a traumatic brain injury
- Identify common symptoms associated with a traumatic brain injury.
