Analysis should lead to an understanding of the needs of the city & provincial police forces, and justice system in order to effectively and equally support people living with an intellectual disability. Peterborough ON - On June 29, 2010, Community Living Peterborough received official approval from the Trent Centre for Community-Based Education for their proposal requesting a needs analysis for a partnership with the justice system in Peterborough. The project will engage two students from the Forensic Faculty of Trent University to conduct a needs analysis to identify and study what resources are needed by the city and provincial police forces and the justice system, in order for them to better protect the rights of people living with an intellectual disability (who are in conflict with the law and who are victims).

The students will be conducting research with self advocates from Community Living Peterborough and various segments of the legal system to comprehend their perceptions and beliefs of people living with intellectual disabilities. Consequently, this information should lead to an understanding of the needs of the legal system in order to effectively and equally support people living with an intellectual disability.

Thereafter, based on the results of this analysis, it is the agencies hope that the study will indicate the need for the justice system to have one contact within Community Living Peterborough to act in the capacity of a resource to the legal system so that people, living with an intellectual disability, receive due process which will best meet their needs and understanding of their rights. The ultimate goal would be to establish an Advisory Committee of “like” organizations and self advocates who would advise the legal and corrections communities about supporting people living with an intellectual disability.

The lead person for this project is Barb Hiland, Director of Operations, Community Living Peterborough; students from Trent University are Laurel Hopkins and Blain Cox. Both students are entering their fourth and final year at Trent in the Forensics Science Program with career aspirations of becoming a police officer, with expertise in forensic investigations.

The Trent Centre for Community-Based Education is an independent, non-profit organization that connects students and faculty with local organizations to create community-based research, service learning and experiential education opportunities that enhance the social, environmental, cultural and economic health of our communities.

Building Inclusive Communities Since 1953… Community Living Peterborough is a not for profit organization that brings people with intellectual disabilities and their community together. The agency supports people to live, learn, work and participate in all aspects of their community. Community Living Peterborough supports approximately 300 children, youth and adults with intellectual disabilities and their families in the city and county of Peterborough, employing 155 full and part time staff with an operating budget of 7.0 million dollars. Vision: That all persons live in a state of dignity, share in all elements of living in the community, and have the opportunity to participate effectively.

Project Contact: Barb Hiland, 743-2412 ext.544 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it