‘Cognitive impairment’ refers to changes in the brain that can affect a person's mental processes or thinking ability, communication, emotions and behaviours.
Cognitive impairment can cause difficulties with:
Acquired brain injury (ABI) is injury to the brain which results in deterioration in cognitive, physical, emotional or independent functioning.
Acquired brain injury can occur as a result of trauma, hypoxia [where a person has less than the normal level of oxygen in the body], infection, tumour, substance abuse, degenerative neurological diseases or stroke. These impairments to cognitive abilities or physical functioning may be either temporary or permanent and cause partial or total disability or psychosocial maladjustment.
There are many possible causes of brain injury including trauma, medical events and degenerative neurological condition. The Brain Injury Association of Tasmania provides more information about the causes of brain injury at our specific page.
Currently, the JustACE office is based in Hobart in the south of Tasmania. We regularly travel to the North and North West of the state to provide face to face support to participants in these regions and can provide phone and online support as required. We also offer outreach to other locations, based on participant need.
JustACE provides checks to help identify where someone may need extra support relating to cognitive impairment. These are not formal diagnoses but can help participants and service providers better understand needs and challenges and how these link to offending behaviour.
JustACE supports people with cognitive impairment who are involved in or at risk of entering the justice system as an offender/suspected offender. This includes people at various stages, such as those interacting with police, attending court, in prison or returning to the community.
Resources for service providers, participants, and family members are available through the program, you can speak to our team for further information.
“At risk” means someone isn’t currently in trouble with the law but might be heading that way. This could be because of things like acting on impulse or speaking in a way that others misunderstand, which may lead to more contact with police, even if they haven’t done anything wrong or been charged.
JustACE primarily works with people involved in the Magistrates and Supreme Courts. Support is not typically offered for those in family or civil courts unless other factors, like offending behaviour, are present.
The through-care model ensures that JustACE provides consistent support across all stages of the justice system. This includes through court matters, in prison, and returning to the community, maintaining continuity even if participants move between locations.
No, JustACE also works with people who are at risk of entering the justice system, helping them address factors that may lead to offending behaviour. For example, people may have regular contact with police due to their behaviour, but have not been arrested or charged with any offences.
JustACE offers tailored services, including non-diagnostic screenings and assessment, brain training, and case management, to help participants address challenges related to cognitive impairments and the justice system.
Yes, people can self-refer to JustACE by completing a simple enquiry form on our website or contacting the team directly. Referrals can also be made by service providers through a more detailed referral form.
