THE prison has confirmed it is expanding support for neurodivergent inmates after independent reports criticised La Moye’s lack of structured care for those with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia.
Questioned by a panel of politicians, Acting Prison Governor Artur Soliwoda outlined new screening processes, staff training, and reasonable adjustments designed to provide immediate, tailored support.
“We are working on early identification and screening arrangements,” he told the Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel.
“We have applied for funding to purchase our self-assessment tool, which will help us in identifying needs.”
Mr Soliwoda said that staff training will include modules on neurodiversity – covering conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia – and that a new staff “neurodiversity network” has been launched.
The acting Governor added that prisoners are being offered reasonable adjustments – such as sensory tools and ear defenders – while peer mentors are being assigned, and partnerships are being formed with advocacy organisations like My Voice.
Mr Solowida stressed that while formal assessments can take up to two years, the prison will not wait to offer support to those who need it.
“Even if someone doesn’t have a diagnosis, while we can see they struggle in certain aspects of prison life, we will offer them support as we feel is suitable.”
It comes after the Jersey Independent Prison Monitoring Board Annual Report 2024, published in April, found that support for neurodivergent prisoners was inconsistent and unstructured, with no formal policies in place to identify or assist those with conditions such as autism and ADHD.
“There are no formal policies in place and there is no official way of knowing how many neurodivergent prisoners are in custody at any one time,” the report read.
“The current approach operates on a case-by-case basis (i.e. the experience is dependent on the prisoner and the staff member in any given situation).”
To create a more supportive environment, the board recommended the introduction of screening tools, targeted awareness training for staff and inmates and policies tailored to the needs of neurodivergent prisoners.
Another report by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor published in April found that while 23 prisoners had been identified as neurodivergent, few had care plans in place, and staff awareness of how to support them was “weak”.
The Chief Prison Inspector said: “Support for prisoners with neurodiverse needs, including in education, training and work, was limited.”
