New Jersey Prevention Network’s Post

Explore how peer support specialists are key to behavioral health-criminal justice programs. This brief highlights their role in recovery and reducing justice system contact plus insights on enhancing your program with peer-run partnerships. https://lnkd.in/gqUqvUU9

“The system can [do] a better job of connecting people to services—folks with histories of substance use, mental health needs, trauma. So our work naturally started moving upstream…” Find out more about the core message behind the relaunch of our “Recovery and Reform” team, formerly known as Treatment Courts, and the vision for its future in our latest post on The Arc. We met with the team for a Q&A to discuss the change, their recent report on racial and ethnic disparities in the system, and more: https://lnkd.in/eJyaeh8J

*The Unfortunate Rise Of Substance Abuse Among Teenagers* In my recent 12-week secondary school tour, I uncovered a concerning reality — up to 80% of teenagers not only have exposure to drugs but also easy access. Among them, 60% engage in illegal substance use, while a troubling 30% heavily rely on these substances. This data highlights the urgent need for comprehensive intervention in the pervasive issue of teenage substance abuse. To tackle this growing crisis, I advocate for a multifaceted approach. Strengthening preventive education programs in educational institutions is crucial, empowering teenagers to resist peer pressure and make informed choices. Collaborative efforts between schools, parents, and community organizations are essential to create a supportive environment. This includes implementing mentorship programs, counseling services, and engaging extracurricular activities that provide positive alternatives, diverting teenagers from the path of addiction. Beyond prevention, strict law enforcement and substance access regulation are imperative. Simultaneously, investing in rehabilitation and treatment facilities is crucial to support those already ensnared in substance abuse, providing them an opportunity for recovery and reintegration into society. Through these collective efforts in education, community engagement, law enforcement, and rehabilitation, we can hope to reverse the unfortunate trend of teenage substance abuse and secure a healthier future for the upcoming generation.

New Continuing Legal Education Requirement: Mental Health and Substance Abuse This summer, the Minnesota State Board of Continuing Legal Education announced that a new CLE category focusing on substance abuse, addiction, and/or mental health was approved and is now a requirement for all reporting attorneys. On February 23, 2024, the Minnesota Supreme Court amended the Board’s Rules to require one credit in this area per 3-year reporting cycle. Category 1 lawyers due to report this year will not be required to submit this credit type. Category 2 lawyers due to report in 2025 will be the first group of lawyers subject to this requirement. The new Rules became effective July 1, 2024. Supported by the Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA), a course for the new special category of CLE credit will “educate attorneys about substance use, addiction and/or mental health issues related to the practice of law.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/ghvEJm8i

Building the best co-responder program for your community requires understanding the expertise of the members of your team and the role each member needs to play. Read the article below to learn how to integrate a Peer Recovery Specialist in your Co-Responder Program to provide additional support and expertise in handling substance abuse recovery. 👇👇👇 https://hubs.li/Q02JV3Cr0

Did you know that behavioral health-criminal justice programs that partner with peer-run organizations can amplify participant recovery and success? Read our brief for more info: https://lnkd.in/gqUqvUU9

Here it is - data on the power of a well-run and well-connected assessment center.

Building the best co-responder program for your community requires understanding the expertise of the members of your team and the role each member needs to play. Read the article below to learn how to integrate a Peer Recovery Specialist in your Co-Responder Program to provide additional support and expertise in handling substance abuse recovery. 👇👇👇 https://hubs.li/Q02JVhPh0

🌟 New Resource Alert! 🌟 Our latest brief talks about the benefits of partnerships between behavioral health-criminal justice programs and peer-run organizations and suggests strategies for successful collaboration. Read here: https://lnkd.in/gqUqvUU9

🚧🚧🚧🚧🚧🚧🚧🚧🚧🚧 Prison trauma affects not just the individual, but their families too. Here are 3 essential tips to help navigate and heal from the impact of incarceration: 1. Acknowledge the Trauma: Understanding the emotional and psychological toll of incarceration is the first step toward healing. Recognize the different levels of impact and validate each other’s feelings. 2. Seek Professional Help: Engage with therapists or support groups specializing in post-incarceration trauma. Professional guidance can provide the tools needed to cope and heal. 3. Foster a Supportive Environment: Create a space of open communication and patience at home. Lean on community organizations and peer support groups for additional resources and a sense of community. Interview by Holli McEachern #Path2Redemption. #HealingAfterIncarceration #FamilySupport #TraumaRecovery #MentalHealthMatters