When a powerful individual like a drug trafficker targets vulnerable tenants, and assumes control over their space, we can say that a housing unit takeover (HUT) has happened. Close to 100% of respondents in our research were frustrated by the pervasiveness of HUTs and this session will help to address these gaps and to establish a collaborative framework for addressing HUTs.

The Dream Team is a group of people with mental health and addiction issues who advocate for more supportive housing and educate people about stigma and discrimination. Veronica Snooks is also a member of the Health and Justice Committee in Scarborough. Carole King is a Mainstay Housing board member and tenant, and Steven Torresan is involved in From Surviving to Advising initiatives. Eric Weissman (Phd) has been doing research on homelessness and housing for the past 20 years.

Abstract:

An expert panel presentation from three perspectives (pharmacy, public health, and community support) on the opiod crisis in Toronto. Discussion will focus on historical trends and patterns; macro and micro-level systems and policy awareness and developments; solution-focused knowledge; and evidence-based best practices on what has become an epidemic public health crisis.

SAMIM HASHAM is the recipient of the Spirit of Belonging Award from the Canadian Mental Health Association

ROBB JOHANNES is a Health Promotions Specialist with Fred Victor, and has helped introduce harm reduction into international medical language

ANU SHARMA is responsible for Toronto Public Health's POINT program, which distributes and trains clients on opioid overdose response.

Housing is an important aspect of wellness. SHIP’s Mental Health & Justice program seeks to address this need for forensic clients. It has seen unique outcomes while providing supportive housing, to address the complex needs of individuals living with mental illness who have come into conflict with the criminal justice system

Alexandra Newman, BA (Hons), RP – Alex has worked within the mental health and substance use fields for nine years. Currently, she sits on several committees including the Concurrent Disorder Committee and is a local trainer for the GAIN Q3 MI ONT assessment. She is passionate about harm reduction, overdose prevention, and accessible housing for all.

Moon Kleine, RSW – Moon is a long term member of the Mental Health & Justice team and her invaluable experience and knowledge has guided the team to its current success. Moon is skilled in suicide intervention and trauma informed practice.

An overwhelming percentage of people who experience homelessness have been incarcerated, and a significant majority return to the justice system - a cycle that aggravates tenuous housing and halts recovery.  This session explores how to partner with Forensic Institutions to build a recovery based housing system that leverages best pract5ices in transitioning from institution to a community setting.

Dr. Padraig Darby ,MB, FRCPC is the Person in Charge in the Forensic Service at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. His clinical work involves providing care to clients found not criminally responsible (NCR) under the jurisdiction of the Ontario Review Board.

Jamieson Malaya is a Registered Nurse with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Forensic Out-patient service. He provides care to forensic clients living in the community who are under the auspices of the Ontario Review Board.

Caitlin McErlain is a Mental Health Clinician within SHIP’s High Support Program. She provides primary daily holistic support to the clients residing within the program and works in collaboration with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Forensic Outpatient Team.

Abstract:

Mental health in the justice system is becoming a more prevalent and recognized issue. This presentation – focusing on fitness and NCR assessments – will highlight present gaps in service, describe potential best practices moving forward and promote a needed discussion on how we can be proactive in our approach to meeting the needs of mentally ill individuals who come in contact with the justice system.

Such individuals require educated, professional support that is responsive to their needs. However, due to addressable service gaps, they only receive this haphazardly. The presentation will emphasize potential areas of collaboration between the justice system and community partners. Our hope is to provide a forum for discussing achievable best practices that can ensure consistency across the provincial justice system.

Justice Devlin was appointed to the Ontario Court of Justice in 2002. She presides in the Durham adult and youth criminal courts and is the Founder and Chair of the Durham Youth Justice Network.

Prior to her appointment, Justice Devlin managed her own law firm in Peterborough, Ontario, practicing in the areas of criminal and civil litigation. In 1999 she was appointed by the Law Society of Upper Canada as its first Discrimination & Harassment Counsel. In this capacity, she provided advice and assistance to individuals who were discriminated against or harassed by a lawyer or within a law firm.

Valerie Mussington is an Adult Mental Health Court Support Worker with Durham Mental Health services for over 10 years. Valerie is a graduate of Durham College in the Law and Security and Correctional Worker Programs.

Valerie was an integral part of the development of the Pre-Charge Diversion Program in collaboration with the Durham Regional Police Service. Valerie is an active participant in various community committees including Mental Health and Justice Committee and the Durham Region HSJCC. 

CMHA Peel-Dufferin in conjunction with the Ontario Correctional institute has implemented the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) into the voluntary programs available within this treatment focused intuition and is the only such program in the province. WRAP is a peer support program, recognized for best practice, self help program that is proven to be effective, regardless of what point you may be in your recovery. WRAP has been used in the community to enhance individualized coping skills and recovery, create action plans for triggers and warning signs for those who have mental health or concurrent disorders. This is a voluntary program for those who wish to explore their own personal recovery.

Shelly Schneider’s career began in 1994 working for the John Howard Society in the Supervision Services Program. Shelly moved to CMHA Peel in 2007 to focus her work in criminal justice system, supporting those experiencing a mental health crisis. Shelly’s current role is Manager of the Justice and Housing teams.

Cary Murphy is a Peer Supporter with CMHA with 8 years’ experience in individual and group support with several agencies. He’s a certified Advanced Level WRAP Facilitator. Cary recovered from his own mental health challenges and is passionate about supporting others and ending stigma through publicly sharing his personal journey.

Anna Barnes has been employed by The Ministry of Safety and Correctional Service at Ontario Correctional Institute since 2005 as a Correctional Officer. Currently in the position of Rehabilitation Officer; providing discharge planning and release from custody assistance to clients by connecting with community resources and supports for successful reintegration.

Highlighting tried and tested methods of caring for individuals living in financially marginalised situations, the challenges they face and ways of helping them feel empowered in their daily lives. Exploring the manner in which setting boundaries can encourage self-reliance, while also demonstrating care and concern.

Jennifer Jackson has been with the Distress Centre for 5 years, first as a volunteer and currently as the Manager of Education Services. She is passionate about advocating for social justice and helping others. She consistently seeks out opportunities to do so in her work and in her everyday life.

Abstract:

The Community Response Program in the City Of Kawartha Lakes is a unique partnership between the local hospital (RMH) and the two forces (KLPS and OPP CKL) that police the region. The officers identify individuals that might be experiencing mental health and/or substance use issues and who may require connection to supports or additional resources. The program works one day a week with each police service. The aim of the program is to promote wellness/well-being utilizing prevention, early intervention and harm reduction approaches The goal of the program is to proactively help individuals by decreasing stigmatization, marginalization and ultimately reducing the frequency of police interactions and mental health crisis.

Sheila Carron RN, BSCN, CPMHN has been a mental health nurse since 1992. She has extensive experience in various settings that include Tertiary mental health (Ontario Shores) and acute care Schedule 1 at Ross Memorial Hospital (RMH) in Lindsay. In her current role at RMH, Sheila is a pioneering member of the Community Response Unit (CRU) with both the Kawartha Lakes Police Service and the Kawartha Lakes OPP.

Detective Constable Ryan Boutin, Kawartha Lakes Police Service (KLPS)As a pioneering member of the CRU Ryan brings to this initiative 13 years of policing experience that include working in general patrol, K-9 and currently in Criminal Investigations. In addition to the CRU, Ryan also lends his expertise to the Community Court Bail Reporting Program and assisting victims of Human Trafficking into his daily role. Ryan is also a key member of the local Situation Table.

Jennifer Quigley, Acting Sgt. Community Mobilization Support/Mental Health Unit, Orillia. Jennifer was the primary lead officer involved in the development and implementation of the CRU for the OPP in the City of Kawartha Lakes (CKL). Jennifer brings to this role 19 years as an officer with the OPP. Although Jennifer has accepted the position as Acting Sgt. in Orillia, she continues to commit her time (1 day/week) and experience to the CRU and as the Abuse and Mental Health Coordinator in the CKL.

Abstract:

This presentation will describe how five different organizations funded from three different sources collaborate to ensure residents of Durham Region receive holistic and coordinated crisis response. These ongoing successful partnerships provide an acute and efficient crisis response for adults as well as youth and their families in the Durham Region, and can serve as a model of best practice for other regions.

To be provided

Our presenters will discuss the stresses of front line staff, the impact these stresses have on individuals and the stigma that keeps them from asking for help.  They will also discuss strategies for managing stress as well as offering helping resources available to members.

Doron Gold is a Staff Clinician at Homewood Health, the provider of the Ontario legal profession's Member Assistance Program.  He is a Registered Social Worker, Certified Professional Coach and psychotherapist, as well as having previously practiced law for 10 years, primarily as a family and civil litigator.  Prior to working at Homewood Health, Doron spent almost 7 years working at the Ontario Lawyers' Assistance Program (OLAP).  Doron assists lawyers, paralegals, law students, judges and their immediate family members with personal and professional issues such as addiction, depression, anxiety and career stress. Doron's role at Homewood Health includes psychotherapy with clients, assisting with the ongoing management of Homewood's peer volunteer program as well as providing workshops and presentations to various groups in the community.

Doron has written and been quoted extensively in publications such as Lawyers' Weekly, Law Times, Canadian Lawyer and LawPro Magazine on various topics related to lawyer distress and wellness.   Doron has been asked to speak to various groups throughout Ontario on topics as varied as Work-Life Balance, Lawyer Stress 101, Retirement, Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue.  He is the co-author of the Canadian Bar Association's "Mental Health and Wellness in the Legal Profession" online course and is the recipient of the 2016 CBA Wellness Forum Award of Excellence.

The presentation will provide a review of the current forensic service system and outline the progressive shift to a continuum of services beginning and ending with community capacity. The changes will be related to the rationale for the direction that has been taken. The presentation will include some prospective observations and close with a Q&A session..

Chris Higgins, Team Lead Forensic Mental Health Services, 40 years of experience in the mental health field in roles from front line case manager to supportive housing agency executive director to association director and now within government at the MOHLTC. Also, founding instructor of the Humber College psychosocial rehabilitation program and instructor in PSR at the International Psychosocial Rehab Association conferences.

Abstract:

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has collaborated with the Toronto South Detention Centre (TSDC) to improve screening and triage services of inmates with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) through the development of the Forensic Early Intervention Service (FEIS). This paper will provide an overview of how CAMH FEIS and TSDC healthcare collaborate to meet the needs of inmates with SMI and provide a snapshot of FEIS client profiles from the first year of service at TSDC.

Ashley Haywood is a social worker with the Centre for Addiction Mental Health Forensic Early Intervention Service with a bachelor and master’s degree in social work. She has over 10 years’ experience working with individuals and families experiencing concurrent disorders. She has a particular interest in working with women and individuals of African and/or Caribbean descent.

Abbey Bird has a BSC in Psychology and Anthropology from Trent University, and an MSW from the University of Buffalo, New York. She has been employed as a Case Manager and Clinical Social Worker since 1991. Her clinical practice has been focused in the area of Acquired Brian Injury, Trauma and Addictions, utilizing a variety of modalities, including cognitive behavioural therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness therapy, and relaxation training.

Lisa Ralph has a BCcN from the University of Windsor and is a CNA Certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse. Lisa has vast experience in health care, and has been a correctional nurse since 2012. She was involved in the reviewing, development, and implementation of institutional health care policies at the Toronto South Detention (TSDC), and has been at TSDC since 2013.

Abstract:

The Women’s Justice Access Project (WJAP) is a collaboration between organizations representing the mental health, addictions, and justice sectors. The goal of the project is to develop and implement culturally sensitive and psychologically safe legal support resources for marginalized women who are clients at Fred Victor’s Women’s 24-hour Drop-in service at the Adelaide Women’s Resource Centre (AWRC). As part of this initiative, lawyers and other legal professionals provide resources, which included legal support, advice, referrals, and educational workshops, to the women who visited the drop-in. These services are client-centered in that they respond to the intensity of need and circumstances experienced by marginalized women, and range from low-barrier information sessions to more intensive casework. Preliminary findings from the project will be discussed.

Jonathan Berges has been a Regional Implementation Coach in the Provincial Systems Support Program (PSSP) at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) for the past 4 years. In that time he has worked with multi-disciplinary teams, communities, organizations and service users to sustainably implement interventions that address issues of access, transition and collaboration for child, youth and families living with mental health, addictions and justice related issues. These projects have included the development of a region wide service resolution process for youth and families that integrates traditional and non-traditional service providers, the development of a Women’s Justice Access Project at a 24 hour drop-in centre, the launch of a multi-service support hub for men recently discharged from the Toronto South Detention Centre and the creation of a youth mental wellness series at a local Toronto youth drop-in. Drawing upon 15 plus years of experience in the mental health, development, housing, justice and addiction sector, Jonathan has worked with systems and service providers to make meaningful change for youth and adults, in a way that is sustainable, collaborative and inclusive.

In 2015 the prevalence of methamphetamine use in Guelph rose significantly, contributing to increase rates of criminal offending. This presentation highlights the community response: a unique and effective collaboration that placed an addictions counsellor in bail court, and a broad education initiative about methamphetamine for police and service providers..

Rachel received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Guelph, and went on to complete her Master of Social Work degree at Wilfred Laurier University. She has been working at Stonehenge Therapeutic Community for the past three and a half years, doing primarily community based work.

Kerry Manthenga holds a Masters in Social Work from Wilfred Laurier University and has been the Clinic Director of Community Services at Stonehenge Therapeutic Community since 2014. Kerry has worked in addictions and mental health as a therapist, trainer and manager, in both Canada and New Zealand for 15 years.

The purpose of the presentation is to advocate for the expansion of drug courts while exposing the limitations of these courts. Another goal is to offer lessons from traditional court alternatives to help shape policy solutions for drug courts in the twenty-first century.

B. Sc., 1984, Western Michigan University, Cum Laude, LL.B., 1990, Osgoode Hall Call to Ontario Bar, 1992 LL.M., (Hons.), University of California at Berkeley, (Berkeley Law), 1995 Practiced Criminal and Immigration Law from 1992-2009 including Per Diem Crown Appointed Justice of Peace to Brampton in October, 2009, Mental Health Committee Member in Brampton since 2010

Abstract:

An overview of two interprofessional programs that support the development of self-expression and interpersonal confidence in a forensic population. This presentation will provide a review of the evidence, an overview of group implementation, preliminary outcome data, case studies, and future directions for the following two group interventions:

Focusing on Recovery through Photography
Photography is a modality that has facilitated creative expression for forensic clients leading to enhanced identity development, self-esteem, and occupational engagement.

Confident Communicators
Within an experiential learning framework, the Confident Communicators group supports individuals to improve their confidence in interpersonal relations in order to promote increased social connections and community involvement.

Sara Richardson-Brown is a recreation therapist working in the Forensic Intensive Support Team (Outpatients) at The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. Sara is passionate about the field of Therapeutic Recreation and its role in bringing meaning and purpose to her clients. She has 16 years of experience working in a variety of settings, including community outreach, community day programs, hospital settings, and long term care.

Donna Power is an occupational therapist currently working as member of the Forensic Intensive Recovery Support Team. She has 16 years of clinical experience, working in a variety of mental health care programs supporting clients with their recovery goals.

Vanessa Woods is a clinical Social Worker in the integrated forensic program at The Royal. She has over twelve years of mental health experience and is passionate about those she serves. She is also actively involved in volunteer Board work to support individuals in accessing community-based mental health treatment.

We will be highlighting a successful, award winning joint response program offered in rural Southeast communities. Working together, veteran law enforcement and mental health professionals deliver compassionate, knowledgeable and effective support to our rural communities. Together we establish key linkages to the most appropriate and beneficial services available. Our success is measured with decreased calls for service to our police services, and long term connection and stabilization for those individuals who struggle with mental health challenges.

The purpose of this project was to analyze three regional Situation Tables located in Northumberland, City of Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough. A literature review was conducted to explain the history, working practices and Provincial guidelines of Situation Tables. Data that each regional Situation Table records was analyzed in order to identify trends among the three regions in regards to which human services and justice organizations are most involved and what risk factors are most commonly present/discussed. Surveys and interviews were completed to capture the experiences and opinions of individuals who participate at each regional Table and gather their ideas for improvements.

The host organization of this project was the regional HKPR HSJCC.

To be updated

Abstract:

Within the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, the Offender Programs Unit (OPU) develops rehabilitative programs for the Ministry’s clients in the community (probation and parole) and in the institutions. The Ministry offers a menu of programming for clients who have committed sexual offences. The amount of child pornography convictions has increased exponentially over the past few years. In order to address this gap, the OPU developed the Sex Offender Relapse Prevention - Child Sexual Abuse Images (SORP- CSAI) program to address the needs of this group of clients. This presentation will discuss the history of programming within the Ministry and how SORP CSAI was developed and its current status.

Jennifer Bodogan, Program Analyst, Offender Programs Unit (OPU) began her career with the Ministry as a Probation and Parole Officer with a focus on supervising sex offenders. She is an associate trainer for the Ontario Correctional Services College. Within the OPU, Jennifer developed the SORP CSAI program and has updated the SORP 1 program and the sex offender training program for Probation and Parole officers.

Mark Stehlin is currently the Manager, Offender Programs Unit. In his 30 plus year in Correctional Services, he supervised sexual offenders in the community for 20 years. He has also worked as an Associate Staff Trainer and taught staff how to score and interpret risk assessment tools for sexual offenders, best practices in working with this population and developed programming to address sexual offending.

Abstract:

Presenters from Durham Family Court Clinic will provide current information regarding adolescent sexual offending to challenge myths and provide professionals practical tools to engage these youth in manner that is supportive of their treatment, which in turn can help reduce their risk for sexual reoffending.

Jennifer Matesic and Sylvia Riley are Community Support Team counsellors at Durham Family Court Clinic, working with at-risk youth including adolescents who sexually offend. They have extensive knowledge and experience with adolescent sexual offending, and were co-presenters at the international 2016 Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA) Conference.

The intersection between the mental health/addictions and justice sectors represents a key juncture for enhancing integrated, coordinated, and person-centred care. Stakeholders in Ontario are increasingly overcoming both perceived and real barriers to cross-sectoral collaboration. In this session, we will highlight key lessons learned in cross-sector system improvement projects across Ontario.