Collaborate, Train & Engage: Diverting People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

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

While local providers across the country are increasing their awareness of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) in their criminal justice systems, they may encounter challenges when seeking appropriate diversion programming for this population. This webinar will discuss best practices that localities can implement to improve cross-system collaboration, family engagement, identification, and accessibility of services that meet the needs of people with I/DD. Speakers will also describe how consistent evaluation of diversion outcomes assists with sustaining successful efforts and the creation of action plans to address gaps. Participants will hear from an author and person diagnosed with autism about his experience with the criminal justice system and how diversion could have been beneficial in his case.

Speakers:

• Leigh Ann Davis, Director of Criminal Justice Initiatives, The Arc
• Nick Dubin, Author/person with lived experience
• Maria Fryer, Justice Systems and Mental Health Policy Advisor, Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice
• Reginald “Reggie” Thomas, Criminal Justice & Disability Fellow, The Arc
• Felicia Lopez Wright, Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health Division, the CSG Justice Center