Gwinnett Public Schools Parent Mentors host criminal justice seminar for parents of students with disabilities

Gwinnett County Public Schools Parent Mentors have set a juvenile justice seminar for parents of students with disabilities for 10 a.m. to noon Thursday in Snellville. AJC file photo

Credit: HANDOUT

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Credit: HANDOUT

The Gwinnett County Public Schools Parent Mentors will host a seminar for parents of students with disabilities, ages 12-22, titled, Criminal Justice: How it Impacts Students with Disabilities. The event is set for 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Jan. 17 at OneStop Centerville Community Center, 3025 Bethany Church Road in Snellville.

According to many advocacy groups including the ACLU, persons with disabilities often far worse in the criminal justice system.

Presented by Gwinnett County State Court Chief Judge Pamela D. South this session will give an overall review of what happens in the court system when a youth is arrested or detained by law enforcement, covering topics such as: court appearances, appointed or retained counsel, delinquency petition or criminal accusation, and sentencing guidelines. Discussions will center on the impact on the child, the role of parents, how to proactively help youth prevent incidents, and how does the court system help to limit the impact of convictions?

School district officials have pointed out that this session refers to occurrences that may happen when youth are in their homes and/or communities. The topic is unrelated to and will not address Student Discipline and Behavior Interventions that may occur while the child is at school.

Register by Jan. 16 by emailing Jackie_McNair@gwinnett.k12.ga.us or calling (678) 301-7149.