Motivational Interviewing and Brain Injury: A Guide to supporting Change in the Criminal Legal System

Individuals involved in the criminal legal system often experience brain injury, which can affect communication, memory, decision-making, and the ability to successfully meet supervision requirements. This practical guide helps professionals recognize the impact of brain injury and apply motivational interviewing strategies to improve engagement, support successful outcomes, and enhance community safety.

Developed for Community Supervision Officers and other professionals across the criminal legal system, this resource provides an overview of brain injury, screening considerations, and practical applications of motivational interviewing when working with individuals who have experienced a brain injury. It is intended to complement, not replace, formal motivational interviewing training.

This guide was developed by NASHIA in partnership with the DuPage County (Illinois) Veteran Treatment Court through funding from the U.S. Department of Justice's Veterans Treatment Court Innovations Program.