RSA 13th Annual Conference

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES:  HEALTHY                              RELATIONSHIPS/HEALTHY SEXUAL EXPRESSION

Thursday, October 2, 2008 and Friday, October 3, 2008

Four Points Sheraton, London, Ontario

Early Bird:  $155.00 if registration received by August 8, 2008

After August 8, 2008 - $175.00

WATCH FOR DETAILS COMING SOON!

Justice Dual Diagnosis Case Managers

As part of the province wide Service Enhancement Strategy, Regional Support Associates has hired two  (One full time and one part time) Justice Dual Diagnosis Case Managers. The goal of this intiative is to reduce the number of people with a dual diagnosis in contact with the criminal justice system or decrease time spent in a correctional facility by enhancing access to community mental health and developmental service.

For many years the term dual diagnosis referred to individuals with a mental health issue and concurrent addiction issue. We now look at the term Dually Diagnosed as persons with a Mental Health disorder and a developmental disability. Prevalence of mental health issues among persons with a developmental delay is estimated at 40 percent, leaving a large population of people who require services.

The Justice Dual Diagnosis Case Managers provide services to adults that are 18 years of age and older.  Individuals must be dually diagnosed (Developmental disability and Mental Health issue) involved with the judicial system. We provide services to those at all juncture points in the justice system including:

• Individuals that have not been formally charged (pre-charge)
•  Individual’s who are awaiting sentencing,
• Individuals who have been approved for court diversion or suspended sentencing
• Individuals on probation or parole
• Individuals who have been hospitalized in a mental health facility due to contact with the law.

The Dual Diagnosis Case Manager can provide a myriad of services throughout Southwestern Ontario. The involvement is a short term, transitional case management that establishes contact with the individual and offers links to longer term supports, providing a successful transition back into the community. The Dual Diagnosis Case manager can assist in collaborating fundamental supports such as housing and legal aid, organize support circles and individual support plans and refer individuals to developmental or mental health services, counselling and specialized services within the community.

The referral process is the same as obtaining any other services through Regional Support Associates.  The individual, the family or caregiver, Mental Health and Court Diversion Workers, Probation and Parole, Community, Crown Attorney, Police, Hospitals, Jails and other Community Agencies, can make referrals for the Dual Diagnosis Case Manager.

Southern Networks of Specialized Care

To read about details of the new Southern Networks of Specialized Care please click below.

SNSC Business Plan (in Word format)