This presentation will present evidence-based research findings of the experience of neurodiverse justice involved youth in Ontario and the extent to which their rights are appropriately protected and advanced by counsel, the court and the services engaged. The presentation will discuss the research findings and how to best implement rights-based protections for this vulnerable population.
Presenters:
Samira Ahmed | Lawyer, Justice for Children and Youth
Samira is a litigation lawyer at Justice for Children and Youth (JFCY). JFCY provides select legal representation to low-income children and youth in Toronto and vicinity. JFCY is a non-profit legal aid clinic that specializes in protecting the rights of those facing conflicts with the legal system, education, social service or mental health systems. JFCY provides direct legal representation to youth as well as community outreach and public legal education. Samira’s practice focuses on representing highly vulnerable youth with intersecting legal issues including youth criminal justice, child protection, mental health, immigration, education and disability. Samira has appeared as counsel on behalf of JFCY before all levels of court. Samira routinely provides public legal education and has presented at local, national, and international conferences related to children rights issues.
Dr. Voula Marinos | Professor, Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice; Child & Youth Studies, Brock University
Dr. Voula Marinos is a Professor in the Department of Child and Youth Studies and Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice program at Brock University. Her research is focused on diversion of youth and adults; mental health, intellectual disabilities, law, and the courts; and plea bargaining and sentencing of youth and adults. She lectures widely to criminal justice professionals, lawyers and law students, and community organizations about her research, justice policy, and reform.
Dr. Daniella Bendo | Associate Professor, Kings University College (Western University)
Dr. Daniella Bendo is an associate professor at King’s University College at Western University. She is a critical children’s rights and childhood studies scholar. Her research focuses on advocacy, children’s rights, participation, child-centered research methodologies and community engagement with young people.
Dr. Nathan Innocente | Organizational Criminologist and Associate Professor of Criminology and Law, University of Toronto, Mississauga
Nathan Innocente is an organizational criminologist and an associate professor of criminology and law at the University of Toronto Mississauga. His current youth justice research explores how youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities navigate the criminal justice system, and how legal professionals respond to youth with IDD.
Presented by the Provincial Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee on November 5, 2025.