TENDING THE PEACE PROMOTES BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM

#JusticeForAll #CriminalJusticeReform #MentalHealthMatters #DisabilityRights #CompassionInJustice #SupportAndUnderstand #InclusiveJustice #AdvocateForChange #StandForJustice #AutismAwareness #Neurodiversity #EqualRights #MentalHealthAdvocacy #JusticeWithCompassion #EndDiscrimination

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TENDING THE PEACE PROMOTES BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORMTending The Peace

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For decades criminal defendants with mental or neurological disabilities or low executive functioning, have not been provided adequate assistance during the criminal justice process. They have also not been allowed to use their disability as a mitigating factor at Sentencing.

Criminal Defendants with mental or neurological disabilities or low executive functioning can have difficulties with communication and stress to a much greater degree than average defendant. Defendants with autism, enduring the stress of incarceration and exposure in the courtroom, can cause them to miss many social cues. They say communication is ten percent words and ninety percent expression. In stressful settings, with a tidal wave of sensory experiences, Defendants with autism can be flooded and have great difficulty understanding the process. Defendants with disabilities must be allowed autonomy to make there decisions, but the courts must also provide the assistance necessary for them to fully interpret what is going on and assistance with decision making.

It is time for society to stand up and accommodate criminal defendants with disabilities. Let us walk in the footsteps of peace and express compassion, not for the behavior, but for the challenges people with mental or neurological disabilities face, especially during the Criminal Justice Reform process and incarceration.