Resources

SAMHSA Accepting CMHR Grants

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is now accepting applications for the Campaign for Mental Health Recovery (CMHR) State Implementation Grants. Awards are to be used to develop state outreach programs and community-based efforts for reaching young adults.  Programs must be designed to educate youth and the general public about mental health conditions and foster mental health awareness. For more details about the CMHR grants and how to apply, visit Stopstigma.samhsa.gov. 

SOAR Data Tracking

Policy Research Associates (PRA) has just released a program that works in conjunction with the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR) initiative adapted by states that wish to streamline access to benefits for people who are homeless. The SOAR Data Tracking Program can be used by sites to keep track of and report outcome data related to the SSI/SSDI application process.  The program provides a means of electronically entering and saving data that are collected with the SOAR Data Form. For more information, visit SOAR.

Self Directed Care

The idea behind self directed care is that individuals with mental illness should be given the opportunity to have input in designing their own care plan. The Bazelon Center has partnered with the University of Pennsylvania in creating a document titled In the Driver’s Seat, a guide that advocacy groups can use to foster a course of action that will allow consumers to have a primary role in their mental health treatment.  The full copy of the guide In the Driver’s Seat can be found on the Bazelon Center website.

Just Released

New GAINS Publications

In May of 2008, The National GAINS Center released three publications for community organizations that wish to improve engagement of services for justice involved persons with serious mental illness. The first publication highlights the EXIT program, a jail diversion program developed in 2002 by the New York City Mayor’s Office and the Center for Alternative Sentencing and Employment Services. This program offers voluntary access to services as an alternative to incarceration for individuals whose instant offense is a non-violent misdemeanor.

To assist organizations throughout the United States in becoming aware of the benefits of hiring Forensic Peer Specialists, the GAINS Center published two topical briefs titled: Peer Support within Criminal Justice Settings: The Role of Forensic Peer Specialists and Overcoming Legal Impediments to Hiring Forensic Peer Specialists. Forensic Peer Specialists help to increase the success of persons with mental illness that become justice involved in attaining and continuing support services. Specialists are trained individuals with histories of mental illness and criminal justice involvement that offer peer support for individuals with similar histories.

WHAT'S UPCOMING

6/28-7/2 - National Sheriffs Association Annual Conference and Exhibition more...

7/16-18 - Bureau of Justice Assistance GREAT National Training Conference more..

7/21-23 - National Institute of Justice 2008 National Conference more...