A CAMPAIGN group has welcomed new plans to expand support for neurodivergent prisoners at La Moye.
Charlie Herd, a former inmate who was diagnosed with ADHD during her sentence and now works with ADHD Jersey, said she “strongly welcomed” the prison’s plan to improve support for neurodivergent individuals at La Moye.
She continued: “As someone with lived experience of ADHD and the criminal justice system, I know firsthand how undiagnosed and unsupported neurodiversity can lead people down difficult paths.
“For me, receiving a diagnosis was life-changing – it gave me understanding, self-compassion, and a way forward.
“With the support of ADHD Jersey, I was able to turn my life around. Many others could do the same if they were given the right tools and support inside prison.”
Her comments come after La Moye Prison confirmed this week that it is expanding support for neurodivergent prisoners – 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 said that the new measures would include early screening, staff training, and reasonable adjustments.
Her comments come 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.
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”.
