Aboriginal people with mental and cognitive disabilities in the criminal justice system

This project addresses the high over-representations of Indigenous persons with mental health and cognitive disabilities in Australian criminal justice systems. It will develop new understandings of the interactions amongst criminal justice, social, health, disability and other human services for these persons. Using an Indigenous methodology in this study will result in new information and understandings on Indigenous persons' experiences and perspectives. These will allow, for the first time, a critical analysis of system interactions and responses to complex needs for these persons. Outcomes will inform Indigenous theory and will be vital for developing new policy and practice to assist in protecting and promoting Indigenous wellbeing.