Diverting People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities from the Criminal Justice System

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are an often overlooked population in the criminal justice system because of a lack of identification, understanding, and service gaps that prevent providers’ abilities to address their needs.

During this webinar, diversion programs at different points of the criminal justice system will be highlighted, along with a description of opportunities for training and assistance provided through consultation with The Arc to address gaps in service provision. Speakers on the webinar will also provide key resources on diversion best practices for people in this population who are involved in the criminal justice system.

Speakers:

• Deirdra Assey, Senior Policy Advisor, Council of State Governments Justice Center
• Ariel Simms, Senior Program Manager, Attorney, National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability, The Arc of the United States
• Ruth O’Sullivan, Project Coordinator, Brooklyn Mental Health Court (BMHC), Center for Court Innovation (CCI)
• Ilana LeGear, Social Worker, BMHC, CCI