Working with Vulnerable Persons (Video included)
In this section you will find information to consider when representing clients who have sustained a brain injury or may be vulnerable in handling struggles such as cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. Many individuals for instance, who have sustained a brain injury can experience symptoms which can diminish their ability to fully participate and understand the complexities of the criminal justice system. These individuals often experience co-occurring conditions such as mental health or addictions which further compound their vulnerability in unequal access and participation in complex court proceedings and criminal justice systems.
For Legal professionals to adequately represent their client’s interests it must be determined if a client meets the definition of a legal disability and that they have the competency to direct their counsel. Assessing an individual’s ability to comprehend and participate in the proceedings will determine the type of accommodations that are required to ensure a fair and equitable process. This also ensures that the client is able to adequately direct their legal counsel.
How Lawyers can work with clients who live with brain injury…
In this video, Robert Ben, partner at Thomson Rogers Lawyers, discusses how lawyers can work effectively with people who live with brain injury.
The Invisible Me
The Invisible Me was produced by the Toronto Police Service with the direction of the Toronto Police Service Disabilities Community Consultative Committee as a training tool for police officers. The Committee was assembled in 2016, to help strengthen partnerships within the diverse communities of Torontonians living with disabilities. The committee is comprised of police officers of different ranks, as well as members, service providers and advocates from the community.
Working with Vulnerable Persons
In this video, Transitional Support Coordinator at the Brain Injury Society of Toronto, Laura Bellon, discusses how to offer support to people who live with brain injury through the criminal justice system.