What is the Expense of a Missed Opportunity? Measuring Meaningful Change in the Criminal Justice System

Larry Gold, Esq.; Daniel Huesman, MSW, LSW, LCDCIII; Samuel Hunter & Sean McNulty, Esq. | September 21 | 1:30-2:30 PM | Room 3010A

Topic: Programming, Legal | Knowledge Level: Intermediate

The Opportunity Project is an initiative through the Toledo Legal Aid Society designed to produce better outcomes for marginalized persons that are involved in the criminal justice system through earlier identification of client needs (alcohol/drug dependency; mental health issues; homelessness, etc.) and a more meaningful connection to appropriate services. The prime objectives of this project include: 1) Early identification of client needs; 2) Assistance in connecting/reconnecting with services; 3) Reduction in unnecessary use of jails (bond modification; identifying appropriate and less restrictive for alternatives to incarceration); 4) Provision of earlier opportunities for alternatives to prosecution (Diversion; Intervention in Lieu of Conviction); and 5) Production of better outcomes (Fewer felony convictions; Decreased recidivism).

Presentation Objectives:

· Define the project including history, purpose, and target population.

· Define the method and model being established.

· Review the results thus far and potential implications/next steps.

About the Presenters

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Larry Gold, Esq.

Larry Gold has been providing representation to clients in criminal and appellate proceedings for thirteen years. Notably, he has argued and won in the Supreme Court of Ohio. Larry first began working for the Toledo Legal Aid Society in Drug Court in 2016 before joining the Opportunity Project in March 2018.

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Daniel Huesman, MSW, LSW, LCDCIII

Daniel Huesman is a University of Toledo graduate with over 17 years’ experience in mental health. He promotes decriminalization of the mentally ill working for Toledo Legal Aid Society on the Opportunity Project and volunteers at the UT Student Run Clinic supporting students with social work development.

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Samuel Hunter

Samuel Hunter is a case manager with the Toledo Legal Aid Society-The Opportunity Project. Mr. Hunter's duties are to help identify court involved individuals that could possibly benefit from being linked with area services to address such needs as substance abuse and mental health disorder.

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Sean McNulty, Esq.

Sean McNulty is the Chief Public Defender for the Toledo Legal Aid Society. Sean earned a psychology degree at the University of Iowa and a law degree from The University of Toledo. Sean began working for the office in 1994 and was named the Chief Public Defender in 2014.

2018Anna SchrammSeptember 21, 2018Larry Gold, Esq.; Daniel Huesman, MSW, LSW, LCDCIII; Samuel Hunter & Sean McNulty, Esq.21:1:30