Finding Lost Individuals: Developing Engagement Strategies to Identify Gaps and Address Needs in the Lucas County Criminal Justice System
M. Sean McNulty, Esq.; Christina Green, MS, LICDC, GAMBp & Daniel Huesman, MSW, LISW, LICDC, IMHP | September 17 | 1:45-2:45 pm EDT
Topic: Legal, Programming | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
The Toledo Legal Aid Society launched The Opportunity Project in 2018 as a public defender-led initiative to address mental health and recovery needs within the criminal justice system. This initiative enables attorneys to take a holistic approach to their practice, leading to better representation and improved outcomes. By promoting long-term stability for individuals facing charges, it strengthens connections, reduces the duration of involvement in the justice system, and fosters more effective legal advocacy. Many individuals repeatedly cycle through the justice system due to unmet needs, often facing minor charges like trespassing or disorderly conduct. Without access to services, they are effectively lost to the community as they risk further destabilization and re-arrest, perpetuating a costly and destructive cycle. This issue of access (and lack thereof) affects the entire community—driving up financial and social costs, fostering desensitization, and weakening social connections. A thriving community depends on the well-being of all its members. The Opportunity Project bridges service gaps by implementing data-driven, best-practice strategies. By improving access to care and resources, it helps individuals regain stability, build on their strengths, and contribute to community growth. In this session, the presenters will share recent data and findings that highlight innovative ways to create lasting change in the criminal justice system while expanding access to essential services for our community. They hope this will enlighten attendees and engage further discourse whilst promoting access to needed services.
Presentation Objectives:
• Review current local Public Defender-led strategies for addressing needs at the intersection of criminal justice and behavioral health
• Explain the need for addressing mental health and recovery needs within and around the criminal justice system to those lost to the community by lack of access
• Review examples and impact surrounding lack of access to services and how to engage individuals and the community
• Explain application and value of data-driven approaches geared at finding gaps and offering solutions to meet the needs of the community