Improving thinking skills in young people in custody with mental conditions using social cognitive and neurocognitive remediation therapy: A pilot study

Abstract

Background: Young people coming into custody often have poor educational attainment and have experienced unstable housing, mental health concerns, substance misuse and limited family support. These barriers can affect the development of learning, thinking and social skills. This in turn has a negative impact on making healthy life choices and accessing better job and social development opportunities. The research team have developed a targeted, culturally aware program (the School-Link Advantage (SLA) treatment program) that uses Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) and Social Cognitive Remediation Therapy (SCRT) to address cognitive deficits, enhance skill development and improve functioning across vocational and social domains. The feasibility and acceptability of using this combined CRT and SCRT treatment program for young people in custodial settings has been tested through the SLA pilot study.

Methods: Young people aged 16 to 21 years were recruited to 20 group treatment sessions over 10 weeks. The results are drawn from pre- and post-treatment standardised measures and an evaluation survey. Analysis examined the feasibility of referrals, retention of participants and acceptability of the treatments.

Results: The feasibility and acceptability of the program showed encouraging positive outcomes. Improvements were found in cognitive domains, working memory, emotional control and planning and organising. Feedback from participants was strongly positive and indicates the potential for development of skills in their everyday life.

Conclusion: Young offenders face significant barriers in returning to the community and establishing an independent life when released from custody. The young people participating in the pilot study were assessed as displaying positive cognitive gains. It is anticipated these skills will help to prevent further mental health deterioration and enhance development of life skills.