Advancing Equity at the Intersection of Race, Mental Illness, and Criminal Justice Involvement - by Deanna M Adams (Paperback)

About the Book

"This book starts the conversation about what attorneys can do to improve both health and justice outcomes for people of diverse backgrounds who have mental illness. Focusing on the role of litigators working in the criminal justice system-particularly prosecutors and defense attorneys-this book offers an overview of foundational concepts, lawyering skills, and legal theories that attorneys can use in day-to-day practice as they work toward achieving fair and equitable access to justice for all"--

Book Synopsis

Mental illness and racial inequity are prevalent within the criminal justice system. This book provides key concepts necessary for attorneys to develop their own personal equity framework and approaches to their legal practice.

About the Author

Deanna Adams supervises the Behavioral Health and Collaborative Justice Unit within the Criminal Justice Services department of the Judicial Council of California, the policymaking body of California's judicial branch. She oversees staff and projects focused on collaborative courts, mental health diversion, competency to stand trial, and other areas related to behavioral health needs of people moving through adult criminal courts. Prior to this role, she was with the Council of State Governments Justice Center, the Chief Probation Officers of California, and worked directly with people moving through the justice system. Deanna is appointed to the City of Sacramento Ethics Commission, sits on the Board of Directors for the Forensic Mental Health Association of California, and is vice chair of the ABA Criminal Justice Section's Alternatives to Incarceration and Diversion Committee. She currently lives in Sacramento, California.