A new, five-part webinar series for judges - 
Opioid Use Disorder and the Courts:
Protecting Children & Supporting Families  

Beginning December 1, 2020 | Duration: 60 minutes each

The five webinars in the series are:

Substance Use Disorder in the Courtroom

Trauma and Its Connection with Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders

Medication Treatment & the Importance of Individualized Case Plans

Panel Discussion: Parties Formerly Involved in the Justice System Because of Substance Use Disorder

Ethics of Bias and Self-Care: Combating Secondary Trauma

This series is presented free of charge for qualifying judges.

Substance Use Disorder in the Courtroom

Substance use disorders are treatable chronic medical conditions involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment and individual life experiences. Evidence-based treatment approaches for addiction are generally as successful as those for other chronic diseases. Using videos, case vignettes and guidance for judges and courts, this webinar will discuss the neuroscience of addiction, the rationale behind various treatments, and what to expect from the clinical course/prognosis. Participants will also be introduced to trauma-informed care and non-stigmatizing language.

Trauma and Its Connection with Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders: What Judges Should Watch for and Do

December 15, 2020 | 9 a.m. Hawaii / 10 a.m. Alaska / 11 a.m. Pacific / 12 p.m. Mountain / 1 p.m. Central / 2 p.m. Eastern  |  Duration: 60 minutes

Presented by Hon. Shaun Floerke & Dr. Chris Wilson

In this session, judges will learn how trauma can be both a precursor to, and woven together with, substance use and mental health disorders. We will work together to recognize these impacts in the courtroom and to craft strategies for operating from a trauma-informed perspective. 

Medication Treatment & the Importance of Individualized Case Plans

January 5, 2021 | 9 a.m. Hawaii / 10 a.m. Alaska / 11 a.m. Pacific / 12 p.m. Mountain / 1 p.m. Central / 2 p.m. Eastern  |  Duration: 60 minutes

Presented by Hon. Shaun Floerke & Dr. Ellen Edens

Medications are considered the first line and standard-of-care treatment for opioid use disorder. Without them, people with such disorders are at high risk of death. However, each medication comes with different physical properties and federal regulations that influence client care plans. Using case examples, this webinar will compare, contrast, and provide the scientific evidence for each of the three FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder. Additionally, the session will focus on the importance of communication and collaboration between the healthcare and judicial systems to build individualized plans for clients. 

Parties Formerly Involved in the Justice System Because of Substance Use Disorder: A Panel Discussion

January 19, 2021 | 9 a.m. Hawaii / 10 a.m. Alaska / 11 a.m. Pacific / 12 p.m. Mountain / 1 p.m. Central / 2 p.m. Eastern  |  Duration: 60 minutes

Moderated by Helen Harberts

In the court system's effort to address drug problems, we sometimes do not spend enough time considering the collateral impact created by court interventions. Some may be helpful, but many can cause harm or contribute to adverse childhood experiences, next generation impact. Attendees will hear from persons who experienced collateral impacts from court interventions and will learn the current best practices for screening, assessing, and treating substance-use disorders. An emphasis will be placed on opioids and medically assisted treatment interventions that improve outcomes.

Ethics of Bias and Self-Care: Combating Secondary Trauma

February 2, 2021 | 9 a.m. Hawaii / 10 a.m. Alaska / 11 a.m. Pacific / 12 p.m. Mountain / 1 p.m. Central / 2 p.m. Eastern  |  Duration: 60 minutes

Presented by Hon. Shaun Floerke & Dr. Melissa Piasecki

Many of us are working day in and day out with people with opioid use disorder, their families and our impacted communities. The work can be overwhelming and the resources scarce. Research has increasingly illustrated the connections between burnout and bias, ethics, fairness and our effectiveness as judges. If we are not mindfully engaged in wellness and renewal we can suffer increased bias and become less effective, thereby energizing a vicious cycle. In this session you will learn techniques and strategies that are grounded in research that you can use to increase your awareness and your resilience.