FORENSIC ADVOCACY SERVICES

Forensic Advocacy Services is a program designed to address the needs of children and adults with developmental disabilities who are involved in the criminal justice system. An advocate who specializes in supporting people with developmental disabilities, whether victims, witnesses, or defendants, will assist people to under-stand and cope with the complexities of the legal system.

Advocacy is needed in the criminal justice system because people with developmental disabilities are at a four to ten times higher risk of being victimized. Only fifteen percent of crimes reported against people with disabilities result in some action.

Advocacy is needed for defendants with developmental disabilities because they are more likely to confess to crimes they didn't commit or to accept the stiffest sentence and serve the maximum time for conviction.

We assist defendants with the following specific supports:

• development of Personalized Justice Plans addressing the specific needs of the
  individual while satisfying the concerns of the court
• development of diversion plans pursuant to Penal Code 1001.20 which postpones
  the prosecution of misdemeanor offense where appropriate
• advocacy for individuals within correctional facilities to ensure they receive
  reasonable accommodations and fair treatment
• specialized support to ensure understanding and compliance with court orders and conditions of probation
• transportation to and from all court related appearances as needed

For both victim and defendant, our services include, but are not limited to:

• personalized support and assistance from an experienced advocate familiar
  with the judicial system
• advocacy services to both juveniles and adults who are either victims
  or defendants through all phases of the judicial process, from arraignment
  through sentencing
• individualized instruction and explanation of legal proceedings in language
  appropriate to the individual
• development of ongoing supports with various community resources designed to
  reduce recidivism
• individualized training to promote self advocacy and independence
• safety training for the prevention of crime
• assistance to victims in pursuing prosecution
• assistance to victims in the preparation of victim/witness statements
• ongoing training and education regarding developmental disabilities for Criminal
  Justice Professionals including Judges, Attorneys, Law Enforcement, and Probation Officers

Support to inmates begins by assessing the safety and ability to stay in the general population and transitional planning. We make sure correctional personnel are aware of medical needs and ensure the inmate is able to participate in any program designed to reduce time incarcerated.

In 2004 TMI was awarded a two-year grant to coordinate "Forensic Follow-up Services" by California's State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD). The grant finished up October 2006.

Project Connect is the the latest grant project funded from The California Endowment. It is a collaboration between Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) and The National Association On Alcohol, Drugs and Disability (NAADD).

Learn more about the grant. PROJECT CONNECT

For more information about Forensic Advocacy Services, please contact 858-467-0600 and ask for:

FAS Coordinator, Kevin Farrar at Ext. 308