Announcing a New Virtual Summit from SAMHSA's GAINS Center!Steering in the Right Direction: Diversion and Supports for Transition-Age Youth in the Criminal Justice System
March 29, 2023, 12:00–5:00 p.m. ET
The Steering in the Right Direction: Diversion and Support for Transition-Age Youth in the Criminal Justice System Virtual Summit will feature innovative programs and implementation strategies to support transition-age youth (TAY) prior to and throughout involvement with the criminal justice system. Individuals are considered legal adults at age 18, but their brains are not fully developed until their mid-20s. While individuals that are in the transition ages from 18-24 are not considered developmentally fully mature, they are often dealing with the demands and responsibilities of adulthood and may not have adequate support to navigate these challenges. Individuals in this demographic who experience mental and substance use disorders may be even more severely impacted by criminal justice involvement. Due to the unique nature of this population, specialized supports and diversion options should be made available to meet their needs and help foster long-term success as an integrated member of society.
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Presentation 1: Mobile Response and Stabilization for Transition-Age Youth
12:00–1:30 p.m ET
The Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) model is an evidence-based approach designed to support families with youth and young adults who are in crisis and experiencing an acute behavioral health issue. The goal of MRSS is to support TAY by preventing future crises, reducing involvement with the criminal justice system, and providing care in the least restrictive setting through triage and screening, mobile response, and stabilization. MRSS also helps families and TAY access ongoing home- and community-based supports. This webinar will provide an overview of MRSS, including core components, goals, and best practices. Attendees will also hear from a state-level program that has implemented MRSS regarding implementation strategies, outcome measures, and lessons learned. A Q&A will follow to provide attendees an opportunity to ask questions and discuss ideas regarding implementing MRSS and supporting TAY in their own communities.
Presenters- Lori Criss, MSW, Director, Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, Columbus, Ohio
- Elizabeth Manley, LSW, Senior Advisor for Health & Behavioral Health Policy, Innovations Institute at UConn School of Social Work, Hartford, Connecticut
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Presentation 2: Alternative Solutions Supporting Diversion from the Criminal Justice System
1:45–3:15 p.m. ET
For TAY, it’s important to consider alternatives to criminal justice involvement as incarceration can lead to many long-term consequences, such as creating barriers to gaining employment or completing their education, which could affect their potential to lead a productive life. Different approaches to TAY diversion exist, ranging from pre-arrest diversion to specialized court programs. In this webinar, two diversion programs for TAY will present on their approach, program components, stakeholder partnerships, and program outcomes. A Q&A will follow to provide attendees an opportunity to ask questions and discuss ideas regarding implementing a diversion program for TAY in their own communities.
Presenters- Solomon Baymon, Director, Western Massachusetts, Roca
- Rachel Hampton, LMSW, Chief Mission Officer, Lone Star Justice Alliance, Austin, Texas
- Yulise R. Waters, Esq., Chief Innovations Officer, Lone Star Justice Alliance, Dallas, Texas
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Presentation 3: Preparing Transition-Age Youth for Successful Reentry to the Community
3:30–5:00 p.m. ET
There are several protective factors, such as family support, mental health, employment, and housing, that should be bolstered for TAY to enable a smooth transition from incarceration back to the community and to lower the risk of recidivism. Although these factors are crucial for all individuals in reentry, it is important that the approach to support be specialized for TAY specifically, as they often face unique challenges and developmental considerations. This webinar will feature two innovative programs that are designed to meet the needs of TAY in reentry. A range of strategies to better support TAY in reentry will be explored, including integrating community-based programs for a continuum of services, supporting best practices inside prisons for TAY reentry, and leveraging mentorship, community service, and case management to better support TAY. A Q&A will follow to provide attendees an opportunity to ask questions and discuss ideas regarding successful reentry into the community for TAY.
Presenters- Leila Bihkak Gutierrez, Associate Director of Restorative Reentry, Community Works, San Francisco, California
- Kyle Magallanes Castillo, Co-executive Director, Community Works, San Francisco, California
- Tamara Soraluz, MSW, LCSW, Chief Program Officer, UTEC, Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts
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Registered for the Summit? Add the Sessions to Your Calendar!
After you register, use the buttons below to add the events to your calendar. Note: The calendar event alone does not constitute registration. In order to attend any part of the Summit, you must register here.
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