Guiding those with developmental disabilities through the court system [Video]

CLEVELAND — Finding yourself caught up in the criminal justice system can be daunting enough for anyone, but for someone with a developmental disability, it can be truly overwhelming. Stefawn Norman of Cleveland knows that all too well.

“I was having a bad day that day,” said Norman of the day when a run-in with police landed him on the other side of the law, charged with obstruction.

He knew things had to change.

“Basically, because I was getting into things I shouldn’t be getting into.”

The fortunate thing for him was that his offense occurred in Cuyahoga County.

“We are the only county in the State of Ohio that provides forensic services for individuals who are currently involved in the criminal justice system,” said Dana Moderick, one of three Forensic Liaison with the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities working with individuals like Stefawn as well as the court to better comprehend the process ahead …