Forensic Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: A Perspective from Ontario, Canada on Pathways and Services

doi:10.1017/9781108955522.022

Chapter 22 - Forensic Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: A Perspective from Ontario, Canada on Pathways and Services

from Section 3 - Criminal Justice Pathways and Legal Issues

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 May 2023

Jessica Jones and

Edited by

Regi T. Alexander and

Eddie Chaplin

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Jane M. McCarthy: Affiliation:
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and University of Auckland
Regi T. Alexander: Affiliation:
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and University of Hertfordshire
Eddie Chaplin: Affiliation:
Institute of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University

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Summary

Using two composite case studies the following chapter outlines the intersection of legal and forensic pathways to justice for persons with developmental disabilities in Ontario, Canada. Their pathways include a number of junctures where decision making by different stakeholders across sectors is required pertaining to legal determinations of either criminal fitness to stand trial and culpability as well as the health care presence of a contributory mental illness or disorder. Despite having similar profiles, people with developmental disabilities can have vastly different access, processes, and outcomes depending upon a number of variables including legal factors such as the severity of the offence and offence history; and extralegal factors including support network, discretion of multiple decision makers, legal resources and jurisdiction. The pathways recognise the importance and need for ensuring equitable and therapeutic justice for such individuals.

Keywords

developmental disabilities criminal justice system forensic system diversion; pathways Ontario Canada

Type: Chapter
Information: Forensic Aspects of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
A Clinician's Guide
, pp. 265 - 276

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108955522.022 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2023

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References

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Chapter 22 - Forensic Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: A Perspective from Ontario, Canada on Pathways and Services

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