Transport Accident Commission (TAC)’s Post

From the National Center on Restorative Justice, on what Treatment Courts are: "Instead of imposing harsh punishment that does little to change underlying behaviors for the better, treatment courts engage the participant on a regular basis with the presiding judge who develops a motivating rapport with the participant." READ MORE: https://loom.ly/7gnAAqg For our organizations using Crossroads Programs, how would Cog Talk help these judges connect even more deeply with their participants?

Currently, the population of incarcerated people with functional disabilities, specifically those with mental illness, far exceeds the number of people with MI who are receiving in-patient psychiatric treatment. Jails are not the "largest mental health care facilities" as there is little to no access to consistent, effective treatment while incarcerated, rather, people with mental illness are jailed at a higher rate than those without MI. The Treatment Not Jails initiative seeks to amend existing Treatment Court policy to standardize evidence-based practices and expand accessibility of treatment to court-involved individuals with mental illness and/or substance use disorders.

👥 Restorative justice offers a compassionate way to reintegrate people who offend. However, new data shows we need to do more to expand restorative justice practices. We need consistent national availability and use of restorative justice options. Read the new analysis by Restorative Justice: Strategies for Change (RJS4C) exploring the use of restorative justice in Ireland in the 2023 calendar year 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eKGb6kZu

If, like me, you are a bit uncertain on exactly what restorative justice is all about, the explanation at the beginning of this blog is quite helpful.

A visit from the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) can feel overwhelming, especially if you're unsure of your rights. While you are legally allowed to refuse an interview with a DCFS investigator or decline entry into your home, doing so may not resolve the situation and could even escalate matters. DCFS can seek court orders or gather information through other means if necessary. Protecting your family starts with understanding your rights, such as having a trusted adult present during a child's interview or being informed if they are questioned at school. Learn more about navigating these complex interactions in our latest blog post. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g2EHRPyE #IllinoisLaw #DCFS #ChildSafety #FamilyLaw #KnowYourRights #LegalTips

Neurodivergent families face unique challenges, especially in the courtroom. Today, I had the privilege of discussing this with the Honourable Justice Cohen and a bench of Family Court Magistrates and Judges. I often speak loudly about my belief that the courtroom is the wrong solution for families in transition. However, while we work towards systemic change grounded in early intervention, nurture, and support, many families will continue to find themselves inside a litigious process. We explored practical ways to better support neurodivergent parents and children—from accommodations for witnesses to determining the best steps when the diagnostic picture is unclear. I truly appreciated the openness, engagement, and genuine interest of the panel in creating a more accommodating and inclusive court environment for these families. It’s conversations like these that bring us closer to building a more inclusive legal system! #NeurodiversityInCourt #SupportingFamilies #NeurodivergentFamilies #FamilyCourtSupport #ChildCenteredDecisions #InclusiveLegalSystem #NeurodivergentParenting #FairForAll #CompassionateCourts

Through the decades our society has faced crisis after crisis, The Crack Epidemic, 2008 Financial Crisis, The Opioid Crisis, COVID-19 and innumerable events that directly impact the economic, social and emotional health of everyday people. The criminal justice system in New York State sought to create a pathway in the court system to address mental health and substance abuse issues proliferating case after case, through the creation of Treatment Courts. However, the implementation of these court systems have not been uniform across municipalities. As a result, people are forced into unfair plea agreements and unsustainable treatment programs. This week on The Public Good, Sophie Feal of Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. of the Holistic Representation Unit, discusses advocacy efforts to standardized harm reduction principles and create wider accessibility of treatment courts in New York State. Tune in to join the discussion: https://lnkd.in/gC_jyQtE

A visit from the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) can feel overwhelming, especially if you're unsure of your rights. While you are legally allowed to refuse an interview with a DCFS investigator or decline entry into your home, doing so may not resolve the situation and could even escalate matters. DCFS can seek court orders or gather information through other means if necessary. Protecting your family starts with understanding your rights, such as having a trusted adult present during a child's interview or being informed if they are questioned at school. Learn more about navigating these complex interactions in our latest blog post. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g2BVaxt8 #IllinoisLaw #DCFS #ChildSafety #FamilyLaw #KnowYourRights #LegalTips

Exciting news from the KENTUCKY LAWYER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOUNDATION INC (KYLAP)! We are proud to announce a new partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to implement AFSP’s Interactive Screening Program (ISP). This initiative is designed to provide vital mental health and suicide prevention support specifically for Kentucky’s legal professionals, including lawyers, judges, and law students. AFSP is the leading organization in the U.S. dedicated to advancing science, advocacy, and education for suicide prevention. The Kentucky Legal Professionals’ Interactive Screening Program (KLP-ISP) is an evidence-based, online tool that allows individuals to connect anonymously with peer and clinical support before crises emerge. This program is the first of its kind in the country targeted specifically at legal professionals. This program is available to all members of the Kentucky Bar Association. We encourage all Kentucky law students, lawyers, and judges to take advantage of this valuable resource. To access the screening program, visit: https://lnkd.in/es8XV4uF. Remember, if someone you know is considering suicide or is in a mental health crisis, dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Let's work together to support the well-being of our legal community. #MentalHealthMatters #LegalProfessionals #KYLAP #SuicidePrevention #AFSP #Lawyers #Judges #LawStudents #KentuckyBarAssociation

🧐💭 Confused about the roles of CPS and ACS in New York? 📌 The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) in New York has Child Protective Specialists—often referred to as CPS—who are ACS employees. These specialists are dedicated individuals who investigate cases, offer assistance to families, and work to ensure child safety within the community. 📌 At The Dross Law Firm, we’re here to bring clarity and provide the guidance you need. We’ll walk you through each step to ensure your family’s rights are protected and your child’s safety remains the top priority. Don’t face this process alone—reach out today for trusted support and experienced representation dedicated to making a positive impact. 👉 Contact us for a consultation and let us help you protect what matters most. 📩 inquiry@thedrosslawfirm.com 📞 +(718) 540-5536 🌐 www.thedrosslawfirm.com Attorney advertising. #ChildProtection #CPS #ACS #NYFamilyLaw #ChildSafety #FamilySupport #ProtectYourRights #TheDrossLawFirm #LegalGuidance #ChildAdvocacy #FamilyMatters