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Justice system

Victims, Witnesses, and Defendants with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

July 2019

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are over-represented in every part of the criminal justice system, including as victims and suspects or defendants. Prosecutors, who may encounter individuals with I/DD in a variety of ways, do not always have a full understanding of these types of disabilities or their potential impact on resolving cases.

BJA-Funded Program Supports Problem-Solving Courts Across Illinois

Trainings provide communities with the tools and knowledge to best serve court participants.

Across Illinois, more than 100 problem-solving courts support individuals with a behavioral or mental health disorder who are involved in the criminal justice system.

When the state began implementing standards for problem-solving courts statewide in 2016, a Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) grantee, The Illinois Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health and...

National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI)

This initiative helps law enforcement and prosecutors address the challenges associated with unsubmitted sexual assault kits (SAKs) and reduce the number of unsubmitted SAKs in their jurisdictions.

Tribal Civil and Criminal Legal Assistance (TCCLA) Program

This program's goals are to build and enhance capacity and improve delivery of civil and criminal legal services to individuals and tribes, as well as develop policies that improve access to tribal justice systems, and provide training and technical assistance for development and enhancement of tribal justice systems.

Justice Reinvestment Initiative (JRI)

This initiative works in partnership with states to analyze complex criminal justice challenges, develop and implement data-driven solutions, and maximize resources to achieve stronger communities and public safety.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN)

Designed to create and foster safer neighborhoods through a sustained reduction in violent crime, this program's effectiveness depends upon the ongoing coordination, cooperation, and partnerships of local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement agencies working together with the communities they serve and engaged in a unified approach led by the U.S. Attorney in all 94 districts.

Mental Health Courts Program

This program funds projects that seek to mobilize communities to implement innovative, collaborative efforts that bring systemwide improvements to the way the needs of adults with mental disabilities or illnesses are addressed.

Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP)

This program supports innovative cross-system collaboration to improve responses to and outcomes for individuals with mental health disorders or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders who are in the justice system or reentering the community.

John R. Justice (JRJ) Program

This program provides student loan repayment assistance to state, local, and federal public defenders and local and state prosecutors who commit to extended service in those roles.

Adult Treatment Court Program

This program supports state, local, and tribal efforts to plan, implement, and enhance the operations of adult treatment courts, including tribal healing to wellness courts.