Justice Resource Collection

Navigating the Adult Justice System

The following resources have been created by The Office of Developmental Programs in collaboration with William F. Ward, Retired Judge, Alleghany County, PA. These resources and self-guided Prezi presentation are intended for supporters to better understand the Pennsylvania justice process and identify places to engage, advocate, and intervene.

Signs of Autism: A Guide for Justice System Professionals

This visual resource was developed by ASERT for justice system professionals to use as a reference guide when working with individuals with autism.

Common Presentations of ASD

This guide, developed by ASERT, provides some of the most common presentations of autism to help police officers and other first responders better understand and help have positive interactions with individuals with autism. The guide is designed to be small enough for a police officer or first responder to carry on them in a pocket.

Judge’s Guide to Autism

The Judge's Guide to Autism is intended to serve as a resource for judges involved with criminal justice/autism initiatives in their communities.

Autism and the Justice System Infographic

The ASERT collaborative, led by the Eastern Region, conducted a survey of justice system professionals to determine their current autism knowledge and discern their training needs and priorities. This infographic provides a quick overview of the results of that survey.

Questions to Ask if an Individual with Autism is Missing

A resource when dealing with a situation involving a missing individual. These questions are listed below as well as being available to download under the general information section. The resource is available for download as a trifold wallet card for emergency responders and justice professionals, or printout for parents to share with first responders. Content is available in multiple languages.

Premise History Form for Emergencies Social Story

This social story explains how filling out a premise history form can be helpful in emergency situations.

Co-Responder Programs and Teams

This resource from ASERT provides an overview on co-responder programs within the justice system.

Diversionary Programs: Justice System

This resource, developed by ASERT, provides an overview of what diversionary programs are, the goals of such programs, and examples of these programs in the justice system.

ASSIST: Autism Sensory Strategies, Information, and Toolkit

This guide explains sensory features and how to support individuals on the autism spectrum who have a negative experience related to sensory features.

What Am I Telling You? Guide for Justice Professionals

This resource, created by ASERT, provides information for justice and child welfare professionals about different behaviors they may observe in individuals on the autism spectrum, how those behaviors may be misinterpreted, and what they may actually mean. This resource was created with support and reviewed by individuals on the spectrum.

Mental Health Courts in PA

This resource provides information on mental health courts in PA, including eligibility, referrals, and expectations.

The Pros and Cons of Sharing an Autism Spectrum Diagnosis with Police

Sharing a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a personal choice. This resource is to help autistic individuals decide if they should share their diagnosis with law enforcement. This resource was created with support and reviewed by individuals on the spectrum.

The Law Social Story, Parts 1-4

These social stories were created to describe the various aspects of the law and justice system to individuals with autism.

Before Court – Parts 1 & 2 Social Story

These social stories were created to describe the various components of preparing for court to individuals with autism.

Appearing in Court Social Story, Parts 1-3

These social stories were created to describe the various aspects of appearing in court to individuals with autism.

Detention Center Social Story, Parts 1 & 2

These social stories were created to describe the various aspects of being in a detention center to individuals with autism.

When to Call 911 – Parts 1 & 2 Social Story

These social stories were created to describe the various aspects of determining when to call 911, for individuals with autism.

Traffic Stop – What to Expect Social Story

These social stories were created by ASERT to describe the various aspects of a traffic stop and what to expect for individuals with autism.

Pat Down Searches – What to Expect Social Story

These social stories were created to describe the process of pat down searches and what to expect for individuals with autism.

Police Transport Social Story

This social story developed by ASERT shows what to expect when transported in a police car.

Urinalysis Social Story

This resource developed by ASERT provides a visual explanation of what to expect if you have to give a urine sample as part of being on probation or parole. This resource is part of the larger collection of resources about the Justice System.

Rules of Probation

Adults with autism who are placed on probation supervision may have a difficult time understanding the rules (conditions) of probation, especially if the rules are vague. This social story will help explain the rules of probation, the role of the probation officer, and what may happen if a rule is broken.

How to Create a Social Story

This resource is designed to help justice system professionals create social stories for individuals with autism who may become involved in the juvenile or criminal justice system. Read below to learn more about creating social stories.

Inclusive Language: Considerations for Use

Words matter and using respectful and inclusive language can make a big difference. The goal of inclusive language is to respect people across race, class, gender and ability. This is also true when discussing Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Guide to Emergency Information Collection in PA

People with autism may get scared or confused in an emergency. It can help first responders to know about a person with autism when they are responding to an emergency in the home so that they may help them. Some counties in PA collect information about which households have people with special health needs. If there is an emergency, the county will share this information with first responders. Each county is different, please contact your county’s Office of Emergency Management to learn about your county. You can additionally reach out to your local police department to ensure they are aware.

S.A.F.E.R

Many individuals living with autism have difficulties processing information, processing sensory input, communicating effectively, and responding in socially appropriate ways. Here are some ways to help alleviate those difficulties so that you, the offender, and the community will be S.A.F.E.R.!

Appearing in Court for Individuals with Autism

This handout was developed by ASERT for justice system professionals who assist individuals with autism in court appearances.

How to Approach Individuals with Autism

This information sheet from ASERT provides tips and suggestions for justice system professionals on approaching individuals with autism.

What Am I Telling You? Guide for Justice Professionals

This resource, created by ASERT, provides information for justice and child welfare professionals about different behaviors they may observe in individuals on the autism spectrum, how those behaviors may be misinterpreted, and what they may actually mean. This resource was created with support and reviewed by individuals on the spectrum.

Forensic Interviewing for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum

This resource provides helpful tips and information for justice professionals on how to conduct a forensic interview for individuals on the autism spectrum.

People with Intellectual Disability in the Criminal Justice System

People with intellectual, cognitive or developmental disabilities get involved as both victims and suspects/offenders more often than individuals without disabilities.

Juvenile Justice

Frequently asked questions about youth with disabilities in regards to the justice system.

Autism Speaks: Information for Law Enforcement

This article from Autism Speaks provides general information for law enforcement personnel about autism as well as some useful tips for interacting with an individual who may have autism.

The Juvenile Justice Process

There are many differences between the Juvenile Justice System and the Adult Criminal Justice System. This document shows the Juvenile Justice Process in PA.

How to Support Autistic Guests Visiting National Parks

Our National Parks are as diverse and unique as the people who come to visit them. Regardless of which National Park guests are visiting, the goal is to have all guests enjoy the beauty and wonder of the park in a safe, inclusive environment. This resource was created with support and reviewed by individuals on the spectrum.

Police Autism Community Training