B – 121 Developing the SAFI: A Brief Screener for Adaptive and Cognitive Functioning in Criminal Defendants

Abstract Objective To address the unmet need for early identification of neurocognitive and neurobehavioral challenges among criminal defendants—particularly those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and/or substance use-related brain disorders—by developing a brief, inclusive screening tool that supports equitable legal access. Method We developed the Screener of Adaptive-Cognitive Functioning in Inmates (SAFI) to triage defendants shortly after arrest. The tool classifies individuals into three categories: 1. Those needing routine defense services 2. Those needing procedural safeguards (e.g., interpreters, cognitive aids) 3. Those needing specialized evaluation. SAFI includes 13 components that assess language, literacy, numeracy, legal reasoning, memory, orientation, and self-reported history of neurological, mental health, and substance use issues. It is designed for use by a broad range of professionals, including legal, forensic, and healthcare staff. Results Seven of ten surveyed neuropsychologists and forensic psychologists supported SAFI’s relevance and feasibility. Respondents emphasized the need for a brief, sensitive tool adaptable to diverse users. Concerns included adequate training for non-specialist administrators and increased referral burden. Conclusion SAFI is a promising step toward neurobehavioral justice, enabling early identification and fair treatment of defendants with cognitive and/or communication barriers. Planned validation studies will assess sensitivity, specificity, interrater reliability, and convergent validity to support implementation.