Brock University\u2019s Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice (FPAC) Speaker Series invites the community to a virtual event next week exploring how persons with intellectual disabilities interact with the justice system.<\/p>\n
Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology Jessica Jones of Queen\u2019s University will present a talk entitled \u201cOffenders with Intellectual Disabilities\u201d on Thursday, Jan. 26 from noon to 1 p.m. via Microsoft Teams.<\/p>\n
Jones is a clinical forensic psychologist, Acting Chair of the Division of Developmental Disabilities and Clinical Director of the dual diagnosis program. She has more than 25 years of experience working internationally with persons with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder who are in conflict with the law.<\/p>\n
\u201cDr. Jones’ experience as an academic, clinician and international scholar shines a light on a population that is often overlooked when we think about the forensic system,\u201d says Professor Voula Marinos, Director of FPAC. \u201cStudents in the FPAC program \u2014\u00a0and anyone interested in the justice system \u2014\u00a0will have an opportunity to critically examine the breadth of \u2018mental disorder and the law\u2019 as a legal concept and process.\u201d<\/p>\n
Marinos, who believes that \u201cequity in the justice system is one of the most fundamental challenges today,\u201d is looking forward to the event, which will address concerns she believes should be much more widely discussed.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs an over-represented group in the justice system, accused persons with an intellectual disability face being unidentified, having barriers to access to justice and being vulnerable to having their rights violated,\u201d she says. \u201cIf convicted, sentences are typically ineffective in addressing their specific needs.\u201d<\/p>\n