In early 2007, the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) Board became aware of the number of adults challenged with ADHD currently in the United States correction system. The ADDA Board approved formation of the ADDA Work Group on ADHD and Correctional Health with national experts in correctional health services, ADHD treatment specialists, other mental health and correction/justice management professionals to gather information about ADHD challenged individuals in correctional facilities. The original mission of the ADDA Work Group was to raise awareness of ADHD in the United States correctional and justice systems and develop national policy for the recognition, evidence based diagnosis and treatment of youth and adult offenders challenged by ADHD and its co-occurring disorders.

One of the group's primary tasks has been to develop a white paper discussing current best practices in the identification and treatment of ADHD with a focus on the screening, treatment, and release planning in jail and juvenile correctional settings for persons who have ADHD.