Save time, build confidence, and take practical steps toward a more inclusive justice system.
NICJN exists to improve the criminal justice system for neurodivergent people by making trusted knowledge easy to find and share.
We connect a diverse, cross-sector community — from researchers and practitioners to those with lived experience — to reliable resources, evidence-based insight, and each other. By sharing knowledge and building connections, we help turn understanding into action.
About NICJN
NICJN began with a simple but frustrating problem: it was far too difficult and time consuiming to find reliable, relevant information about neurodivergence in the criminal justice system. What started as a small idea — to gather trusted resources in one place — quickly grew into a broader network of people, insight, and collaboration.
Today, NICJN is a living, growing hub that brings together research, practice, and lived experience to support change, connection, and better outcomes for neurodivergent people.
Who We Are
Meet the founders of NICJN
Dr Tom Smith LLB PhD
Associate Professor in Law
Tom is Associate Professor in Law at the University of the West of England and joint co-ordinator of NICJN. His research focuses on how the criminal justice system engages with neurodivergent people, particularly in relation to the work of lawyers, police and courts. He publishes widely and regularly with academic ands criminal justice professionals to support meaningful, evidence‑led reform.
Dr Nicole Renehan
Asst Professor in Criminology
Nicole is Assistant Professor of Criminology at Durham University and co‑founder of NICJN. Her research explores how the criminal justice system responds to neurodivergent individuals, with a focus on domestic abuse interventions. She brings academic insight and sector knowledge to help shape more inclusive policies and practice.
Our Community
NICJN is shaped not just by its founders, but by the growing number of people who contribute their knowledge, experience, and insight. From frontline professionals to academic researchers and beyond, the network reflects a wide range of voices working toward a common goal.
By joining, you can discover others working in this space, find potential collaborators, and see how broad and active the community really is.