Support, Prevention, Advocacy, Resource Coordination for individuals with IDD involved with the criminal justice system
SpArc is a wraparound jail diversion program that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who are at risk of or currently involved in the criminal justice system. A program of The Arc of Macomb County, SpArc reflects the agency’s long-standing commitment to justice, inclusion, and dignity for people with IDD.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Lisa Lepine and Program Director Sue Lind, SpArc helps bridge the gap between disability services and the justice system. We partner with law enforcement, courts, attorneys, community mental health, and housing providers to create a network of support that reduces incarceration and improves outcomes.
👉 Need to refer someone to SpArc? Click here to submit a referral.
💡How we Help
SpArc Navigators work directly with individuals and their support teams to:
- Navigate the court process and provide legal system support
- Apply for public benefits like Medicaid, food assistance, and disability programs
- Connect to housing, treatment services, and community-based supports
- Reduce jail time or avoid incarceration through diversion and advocacy
- Collaborate with community partners to create long-term stability
Whether someone is facing charges, transitioning out of jail, or simply at risk of legal involvement, we’re here to offer wraparound services that meet the moment.
🛡️ Disability & Safety Programs
SpArc is proud to support and promote several public safety programs for individuals with disabilities. These initiatives help first responders recognize and better respond to vulnerable individuals during moments of crisis.
📌 Learn more or sign up for a safety program here:
👉 Disability Safety Programs – Macomb County
⚖️ Legal System Collaboration
SpArc works closely with legal professionals throughout Macomb County. We support attorneys, judges, court staff, and defenders by offering:
- Disability-informed insight on client needs
- Court accompaniment or care coordination
- Documentation and advocacy for alternatives to incarceration
- Reentry planning support
Interested in collaborating with SpArc?
👉 Visit our Legal Professionals Page to learn more about partnering with us.
🧭 Our Approach: The Sequential Intercept Model
SpArc uses the nationally recognized Sequential Intercept Model to guide our work. This framework identifies key moments—called intercepts—where diversion from the justice system is possible.
From initial police contact to post-release reentry, SpArc supports individuals with IDD through every step of the process.
📥 Ready to Make a Referral?
If you know someone who could benefit from our support, we welcome referrals from police departments, courts, attorneys, mental health professionals, families, and individuals themselves.
👉 Submit a referral now
📬 Or contact us to learn more.
🧩 About The Arc of Macomb County
SpArc is a proud program of The Arc of Macomb County, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through advocacy, support, and opportunity.
Thanks to Lisa Lepine’s visionary leadership and Sue Lind’s tireless dedication, SpArc continues to grow as a model for disability-responsive justice in Michigan.
💻 Follow Us
Connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn to stay updated on SpArc’s activities and success stories.
Thank you for being part of the SpArc community—where support is constant, prevention is proactive, advocacy is powerful, and resources are seamlessly coordinated. Together, we illuminate the way for a more inclusive and supportive future.
Why SpArc is important to Macomb County and its communities:
1 in 20 prisoners in the United States has a developmental disability
33-50% of all use-of-force incidents with police involve a citizen with a disability
People with disabilities are TWICE as likely to be the victim of a crime than people without disabilities