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

Hosted by The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (sometimes known as I/DD) 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. Criminal justice professionals looking to effectively divert people in this population from the justice system can look to this webinar for strategies and tips on diversion, with an additional focus on people who have co-occurring I/DD, substance use disorders, and mental illnesses.

During this webinar, diversion programs at different points of the criminal justice system are 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 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, CSG 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