Our Work

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Richmond State Capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA.

Our Work

During the 2020 Virginia General Assembly we were instrumental in the passing of 3 new Virginia laws, HB134, HB659 and SB133. We helped create and fought passionately, sometimes from 8 in the morning until after 10 o’clock at night.

During a Virginia General Assembly special session in 2020 we were pleased to advocate for and strongly influence HB5043 (Marcus alert system) to pass and become a new law.

2021 Virginia General Assembly looked much different as we advocated and testified via Zoom. Even though we were in the comfort of our own homes the hours were long for everyone involved, the advocates and legislators. Two more life changing bills, SB1315 and HB2047 passed and became law in July, 2021.

We are grateful to the patrons and the legislators for their hard work and commitment to a more fair and true justice system for all.

HB134

HB134: Requires the Department of Education to establish guidelines for individualized education program (IEP) teams to utilize when developing IEPs for children with disabilities to ensure that IEP teams consider the need for age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate instruction related to sexual health, self-restraint, self-protection, respect for personal privacy, and personal boundaries of others. The bill requires each local school board, in developing IEPs for children with disabilities, in addition to any other requirements established by the Board of Education, to ensure that IEP teams consider such guidelines.

https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?201+sum+HB134&201+sum+HB134

HB659

HB659: Department of Corrections; workgroup; recommendations to assist people with developmental disabilities. Directs the Department of Corrections to create a workgroup to review current guidelines and develop recommendations that recognize and make accommodations for people with developmental disabilities.

https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?201+sum+HB659&201+sum+HB659

SB133

SB133: Deferred disposition in criminal cases. Allows a court to defer and dismiss a criminal case where the defendant has been diagnosed with autism or an intellectual disability and the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the criminal conduct was caused by or had a direct and substantial relationship to the person’s disorder or disability.

https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?201+sum+SB133&201+sum+SB133

HB5043

HB5043 Marcus alert system: Decriminalize Developmental Disabilities strongly advocated for this bill and successfully encouraged the bill to include developmental disabilities in addition to a mental health crisis. The bill provides that, by December 1, 2021, DBHDS shall establish five Marcus alert programs and community care or mobile crisis teams, one located in each of the five DBHDS regions.

https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?202+sum+HB5043

SB1315/HB2047

SB1315: Criminal proceedings; consideration of mental condition and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Permits the admission of evidence offered by the defendant concerning a defendant’s mental condition at the time of an alleged offense, including expert testimony, is relevant, is not evidence concerning an ultimate issue of fact, if such evidence (i) tends to show the defendant did or did not have the specific mental state required for the offense charged and (ii) is otherwise admissible pursuant to the general rules of evidence. If a defendant intends to introduce such evidence, the bill requires him or his counsel to give notice in writing to the attorney for the Commonwealth. The bill also clarifies that a diagnosis of an intellectual or developmental disability shall be considered by a judicial officer for the purpose of rebuttal of a presumption against bail and that a court may order that a sentencing report prepared by a probation officer contain any diagnoses of an intellectual or developmental disability. Lastly, the bill adds to the requirements to be met for qualification as a court-appointed attorney two hours of continuing legal education, which shall cover the representation of individuals with behavioral or mental health disorders and individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?211+sum+SB1315S

https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?211+sum+HB2047S

 

 

Things We Do

  1. Support for Parents and Caregivers
    • We truly listen and understand your story to provide meaningful solutions based on shared experiences
    • Facilitate support groups like “Whine and Wine” to help parents and caregivers decompress and connect.
  2. Raise Awareness
    • Shine a light on the criminal injustices faced by individuals with developmental disabilities.
    • Highlight the challenges and misunderstandings in the criminal justice system regarding autism and other developmental disabilities.
  3. Advocacy for Legal Reform
    • Advocate for changes in laws to promote criminal justice reform that protects individuals with developmental disabilities.
    • Work with parents and advocates across the country to drive changes to laws at the state level.
    • Collaborate on initiatives and policy changes at the national level to address systemic issues.
  4. Educational Outreach
    • Promote educational opportunities for professionals in the judicial, executive, and legislative branches.
    • Educate the general public on the unique challenges faced by individuals with developmental disabilities in the criminal justice system.
  5. Public Speaking and Media Engagement
    • Participate in public speaking events to promote our causes and educate the public.
    • Appear on media platforms such as TV, radio, and podcasts to raise awareness and share our mission.
  6. Collaboration and Partnerships
    • Provide a collaborative team approach to addressing challenges.
    • Build partnerships with psychologists, lawyers, researchers, and other advocacy organizations to amplify impact.
  7. Write Letters of Support
    • Write letters of support to judges to advocate for fair treatment and understanding of developmental disabilities in legal cases.
  8. We are non-political and non-sectarian.,

Things we DO NOT do:

  • We don’t handle cases involving severe psychosis, mental illness, Alzheimer’s, divorce, or unrelated family issues.
  • We are not responsible for the decisions individuals make or the outcomes of their actions.
  • We do not offer certification programs.
  • We do not provide legal advice but share personal experiences.

 

What Makes us Different:

  • Passionate Advocacy: We are deeply committed to addressing injustices and helping society understand that individuals with developmental disabilities, particularly those with autism, are not criminals. Too often, they become entangled in the criminal justice system due to behaviors or traits associated with their autism, and we strive to ensure they receive the understanding and fair treatment they deserve.
  • Hands-On, Effective Support: We provide families with more than just referrals. Our hands-on assistance involves finding the right, proven resources to meet their needs. We thoroughly vet every resource and stop referring individuals or organizations that are not effective.
  • Relentless Problem-Solving: We never say, “Sorry, we can’t help.” Instead, we push forward, taking on challenges that others avoid and working tirelessly to resolve even the toughest cases.
  • Collaborative Expertise: We have built strong relationships with experts and advocates nationwide, continually expanding and strengthening our network. By working with these professionals, we find resources to help parents and also collaborate with them to craft legislative solutions that drive meaningful change and ensure long-term impact.
  • Courage to Lead: We take on the most difficult cases, the challenges that others shy away from. Our commitment to getting directly involved in the work ensures that no issue is too big or complex for us to address.