Summit DD partners with other organizations to strengthen and enhance its support for adults and children with developmental disabilities. Below are updates on two of the Agency’s current partnerships.
Summit DD – Summit County Sheriff Join Forces
A few months ago, Det. Joe Storad of the Summit County Sheriff’s Office joined forces with Summit DD’s Major Unusual Incident (MUI) Department. Since then, his presence has made a great impact on the lives of those we support. To date, there have been at least 12 cases in which charges have been filed. The collaboration between the Sheriff’s Office and Summit DD has helped ensure that each MUI case is reviewed and cases of criminal nature are investigated by law enforcement. It also ensures that those who perpetrate crimes against those with disabilities are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
“This is a long time coming,” said Summit DD Board President, Randy Briggs. “It’s an important duty of this Board to make sure people supported by this Board are entitled to the same justice that everyone else in this country gets.” Creating a single point of contact for MUIs of criminal nature has made tracking and prosecuting these cases more consistent. “We will make sure no one falls through the cracks,” stated Briggs.
Oriana House Contract
After its first successful year, Summit DD renewed its contract with the Oriana House. The innovative program was created as a diversion program for adults with developmental disabilities who have been charged with a non-violent crime. People with disabilities are more vulnerable in a jail setting. Often, guards and other staff do not have the training to support individuals with developmental disabilities. The Oriana House program provides an alternative environment to jail. From the time of the arrest until the time of conviction/sentencing, Oriana House staff work with individuals to develop strengths and enhance good decision making to prevent future involvement in the criminal justice system.
Last year, five individuals took part in this program. The contract renewal spans from January 2014 through December. Read what others have said about this innovative program on Ohio.com.
