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People with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities are coming into conflict with the criminal justice system in growing numbers, as victims, witnesses, alleged perpetrators and perpetrators of crimes. The complex and adversarial nature of the criminal justice system, however, creates situations where traditional roles may be altered. We must ensure that people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities are well informed about their rights, are afforded equal access to justice under the law, and are given equal access to victim assistance programs.
What is the National Academy for Equal Justice for People with
Developmental Disabilities?
The National Academy for Equal Justice for People with Developmental Disabilities
includes a nationally renowned faculty with expertise in the fields of mental
retardation, criminal justice, law enforcement, disability and victim services
and self-advocacy. The National Academy Faculty provides national training
and technical assistance on disability and the criminal justice system. Faculty
members are also available to assist in the development of public awareness
campaigns, police advisory panels, and policy initiatives.
National Academy's objectives include the following:
Build capacity in states throughout the U.S., so that people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities have reduced risk of victimization, and increased access to equal justice when they encounter the criminal justice system.
Effect policy and promote systems change at the local, state, and national levels to promote the safety of, and equal justice for people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities.
Conduct a National Academy Summit on Equal Justice for People with Mental Retardation where:
1. a national network is developed and sustained
2. best practices are shared and disseminated;
3. national awareness of this issue is enhanced;
4. national system change and policy agendas
are presented; and
5. international collaboration is promoted.
- Establish an accessible and user-friendly website and listserv, providing links to the websites of statewide Equal Justice teams, national resources, and to the academy faculty.
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For more information, please contact:
Beverly Frantz
Project Coordinator
E-mail: bfrantz@temple.edu
Voice: (215) 204-5078
Voice/TTY: (215) 204-1356
Fax: (215) 204-6336