Date of Conferral
5-15-2024
Date of Award
May 2024
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Human Services
Advisor
Virginia Smith
Abstract
The situation or issue that prompted me to search the literature was observing the persons with developmental disabilities circling the judicial system due to multiple encounters with law enforcement. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand how the Northeast Florida judicial system could improve the outcomes of persons with developmental disabilities by reducing and preventing multiple encounters. The empowerment theory was the most appropriate theory for my study. Empowerment theory indicates that it is imperative to encourage people, especially those who have a psychological deficit, to lean into their resources to gain and utilize their power in society. This study utilized a generic qualitative research design to explore the recommendations of developmental disabilities service providers had to reduce interactions and prevent future encounters within the judicial system. The design included interviews with 11 individuals working directly with persons with developmental disabilities. The major finding from this study was that the providers believed that not all individuals with developmental disabilities have a mental illness, and should not be referred to mental health court when encountering law enforcement. Most highlighted the importance of developing a separate court system tailored to the needs of people with developmental disabilities. These findings may be used for positive social change by developmental service providers and the judicial system to better serve their clients.
Recommended Citation
Whilby, Donna, "Perceptions Of Developmental Disability Service Providers, On How The Judicial System Responses To Persons With Developmental Disabilities." (2024). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 15804.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/15804
