This event has been rescheduled from 6 October 2022.
The criminalisation of children and youth with neurodisabilities in Aotearoa New Zealand
This talk draws on a lifetime of criminology and social work research, practice and lived experience of criminal justice system engagement with children and young people.
It offers insights into processes that both help and hinder how we treat thousands of children and youth in Aotearoa who live with neurodisability and a range of neurodivergent conditions, for example Autism, ADHD and FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder).
I plan to discuss how processes of criminalisation and stigmatisation occur to vulnerable children who live with neurodisability, including how children get “stuck” in the youth justice system; the hidden and obvious costs of getting stuck, and then how to build ramps for these youth to be diverted from criminalisation and, or, treated better by the justice system. I draw on social and rights' models of disability, as well as the neurodiversity paradigm of thinking and practice.
My basic position is that in Aotearoa we are not getting it right at all for children and youth who have autism, FASD, ADHD, brain injuries, dyslexia, other learning challenges, and other what we call “high and complex needs”. For these children and youth, their needs remain often unidentified, unacknowledged misunderstood, and even abused.
We need to challenge ableism across all systems of welfare, justice, education and health in order to ensure those who are particularly vulnerable and neurodivergent are given the means to participate fairly and equitably in society, and to have wellbeing and live a good life, as those of us who are neurotypical and privileged are mostly able to do.
This lecture will be followed with light refreshments, tea, coffee and juice.
Streaming information for Professor Anita Gibbs’s IPL
This event will be live-streamed, from 5:25pm Wednesday 12 October 2022, at the following web address:
Professor Anita Gibbs’s IPL video stream
Test your connection to the streaming service
| Date | Wednesday, 12 October 2022 |
|---|---|
| Time | 5:30pm - 7:00pm |
| Audience | Alumni,Public,Undergraduate students,Staff,Postgraduate students |
| Event Type |
Inaugural Professorial Lecture |
| Campus | Dunedin |
| Department | Sociology, Gender Studies and Criminology |
| Location | Castle 1 Lecture Theatre, Dunedin |
| Cost | Free |
| Contact Name | Bailey McLean |
| Contact Phone | +64 3 471 6113 |
| Contact Email | bailey.mclean@otago.ac.nz |
