National Center on Justice and Disability Project

The Encouraging Innovation: Field-Initiated (FI) Program is funded under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (42 U.S.C. 3751(a) et seq.), the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to state, local and tribal jurisdiction. It is designed to prevent and reduce crime and enhance the criminal justice system through collaboration with the field to identify, define, and respond to emerging or chronic crime problems and systemic issues. The FI Program furthers the Departments mission by trying new approaches, addressing gaps in responses, building or translating research knowledge, or building capacity to address the issues that bring fresh perspectives and ideas to enhance practices and prevent crime in the field.

The Arc of the United States, Inc. will provide information, evaluation, technical assistance, and training to justice professionals to build the capacity of the system to meet the needs of victims, suspects, and offenders with disabilities. This will result in increased knowledge of this issue for professionals, a stronger evidence base for best practices, and better provision of appropriate services to this vulnerable population. CA/NCF