The surprising connection between brain injuries and crime

A great summary of the intersection between mental illness and criminal justice and the ways to address that complicated interaction. In our research here at the University of Denver, 96 percent of justice-involved persons with TBI had a history of significant substance abuse; 77 percent of them had a history of significant mental illness; and 74 percent of justice-involved persons with TBI had both a mental illness and substance use disorder. That intersection is everything.

This book is a powerful indictment of the juvenile justice system. In our research here at the University of Denver (specifically, in an ongoing collaboration between Colorado and Pennsylvania), we found that 36 percent of youths in the justice system had a history of significant brain injury (four of them to be exact). Understanding and responding to the unique vulnerabilities of young offenders is crucial to avoid condemning kids to the school-to-prison pipeline.

This book was written by my colleague after she wrestled with deteriorating function after her sixth concussion. This is the one of the single best sources of practical strategies and modifications out there. Dr. Sullivan delivers on this promise: "With more awareness, those of us dealing with the consequences of brain injury, as well as our families and supporters, will have more support available to us, both in the community and from our health care providers." You can hear more about her story and get even more resources on her website, TBI Journey Inc.

There are almost 12 million people in jail around the world and 90 percent of those inmates will someday return to their communities. In the United States alone, more than 70 million adults have arrest or conviction records. The only way to disrupt the continuous cycle of incarceration is to generate more sustainable long-term options — with employment being the best. Employment provides financial stability for entire families, all of whom are at risk. Consider hiring a returning citizen and make some easy accommodations for the needs of all of your employees.

A resource for returning citizens looking for work.

My friend Kevin Pearce suffered a nearly fatal TBI as a snowboarder preparing for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Make sure to watch the documentary about his experience, The Crash Reel, and visit his foundation, LOVE YOUR BRAIN. Kevin and his family are the brains and heart behind LOVE YOUR BRAIN, a foundation dedicated to building community, fostering resilience and helping people understand the importance of loving their brains.

My friend Kevin Pearce suffered a nearly fatal TBI as a snowboarder preparing for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Make sure to watch the documentary about his experience, The Crash Reel.

383,947 service members and veterans have been diagnosed with TBI since 2000. The high rate of TBI and blast-related concussions often result from combat, but they also occur during day-to-day activities like sports or routine military training. Military service personnel, veterans and their families face challenges unique only to them. In our research here at the University of Denver, 10 percent of the justice-involved individuals with a TBI history we studied are veterans. This resource, and the one below, are specialized just for them. Bob Woodruff foundation is working to heal the physical and psychological wounds of war. Thank you for your tremendous sacrifice.

The principal mission of the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center is to move brain injury science into practice.