Traumatic Brain Injury In Canada

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Background
Many of offenders among Ontario correctional institutes had history of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) once or more in their life. They live with problems related to traumatic brain injury. There are several studies done in American jails and prisons showed that about 25-87% of prisoners had history of traumatic brain injury1. In contrast, about 8.5% of general population had experienced traumatic brain injury1. Another study done in a sample prison in Ontario discovered that about more than half of males and 38% of females encountered previous traumatic brain injury3. For better understanding of traumatic brain injury, we have to know its definition and its effects. Traumatic Brain Injury or TBI can be defined as an acquired brain
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Unfortunately, this statement or concept is not fully existing in Canada. Incarcerated people in correctional institutes and jails in Canada do not get the same health care services compared to the other Canadians9. In addition, they tend to have poor health status compared to the rest of population5.
One of the issues that TBI prisoners exposed to in correctional institutes is the mistreatment by Correctional Officers. This could be related to different reasons. For example, the lack of knowledge about TBI and its prevalence in prisons6. Another reason is the inadequate training about dealing with TBI prisoners6. In USA, an interesting study done in New Jersey indicates that there is misconception or lack of knowledge about TBI among correctional officers especially in terms of symptoms of loss of consciousness, memory impairment and recovery8.
So, after all this we can have better understanding of how big and how important this issue is. Also we can realize the importance of coming up with some reasonable solutions to reduce this problem. Because this a matter of humanity and we have to think about it as a human
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Also in order to fulfill the principles of Canada Health Act in terms of Universality and Accessibility of health care services to all Canadians15. The Canadian Criminal Justice System can provide health care access to this group of TBI inmates by cooperation between Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional services and Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. For instance, scheduling regular medical checkup for those who need that. Also attempts should be made to connect this group of inmates with supportive community groups and programs. This was also another suggestion by John Howard Society of Ontario in the factsheet in 201413. In addition, John Howard Society also recommended that the health care of Ontario prisoners should be the responsibility of the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care instead of the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services22. This cooperation can be furthermore beneficial. For example, the Ministry of health can provide some Neurology and Psychology professionals to help and teach the Correctional and Probation Officers in terms of dealing with TBI offenders, understanding them and increase the knowledge about TBI and its related