The Toledo Legal Aid Society launched The Opportunity Project in 2018 as a public defender-led initiative to address mental health and recovery needs within the criminal justice system. This initiative enables attorneys to take a holistic approach to their practice, leading to better representation and improved outcomes. By promoting long-term stability for individuals facing charges, it strengthens connections, reduces the duration of involvement in the justice system, and fosters more effective legal advocacy. Many individuals repeatedly cycle through the justice system due to unmet needs, often facing minor charges like trespassing or disorderly conduct. Without access to services, they are effectively lost to the community as they risk further destabilization and re-arrest, perpetuating a costly and destructive cycle. This issue of access (and lack thereof) affects the entire community—driving up financial and social costs, fostering desensitization, and weakening social connections. A thriving community depends on the well-being of all its members. The Opportunity Project bridges service gaps by implementing data-driven, best-practice strategies. By improving access to care and resources, it helps individuals regain stability, build on their strengths, and contribute to community growth. In this session, the presenters will share recent data and findings that highlight innovative ways to create lasting change in the criminal justice system while expanding access to essential services for our community. They hope this will enlighten attendees and engage further discourse whilst promoting access to needed services.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Sean McNulty is the Chief Public Defender for the Toledo Legal Aid Society (TLAS). He earned a psychology degree from the University of Iowa and a law degree from The University of Toledo. Since joining TLAS in 1994, he served in municipal and juvenile courts, becoming Chief Public Defender in 2014.
Christina Green, an Independent Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, holds degrees in Psychology, Criminal Justice, and Addiction Counseling. With 20+ years of experience, she specializes in therapy, crisis intervention, and case management. Passionate about recovery and advocacy, she promotes decriminalization and community-based healing, emphasizing collaborative, client-centered approaches to addiction treatment.
Daniel Huesman, a licensed independent social worker and chemical dependency counselor, has over 20 years of experience in clinical practice, program development, teaching, and mental health advocacy within the criminal justice system. As Opportunity Project Lead at Toledo Legal Aid Society, he advances initiatives reducing recidivism and expanding access to services.