Developmental Disabilities in the Justice System

The Community Networks of Specialized Care are pleased to have been selected to lead a provincial initiative to raise awareness of developmental disabilities in the criminal justice system.

The initiative is in response to a knowledge gap identified by the Inter-Ministerial Mental Health and Justice Committee which is comprised of representatives from the ministries of Community Safety and Correctional Services, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Attorney General, Community and Social Services and Children and Youth Services. The project addressed this gap by developing a profile of individuals with developmental disabilities who come into conflict with the law which then informed the development of French and English training videos, webinars and an online tool-kit and resources specifically for professionals working in the justice system (police, corrections, probation and parole officers, crown attorneys, youth justice staff, mental health court workers). The educational materials and tools are based on best practices and were developed in consultation with experts in the field, as well as the Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee.

The tool-kit and videos were officially launched in November 2017. In February 2018, the HSJCC hosted a webinar on the Developmental Disabilities in the Justice System project. Watch a recording of the webinar.

Download the tool-kit:

Video 1 – Identification
Video 1 – Identification (French)
Video 2 – Communication
Video 2 – Communication (French)
Video 3 – De-escalation
Video 3 – De-escalation (French)

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