Mental Health and Substance Abuse in the Criminal Justice System Training Course

Mental Health and Substance Abuse in the Criminal Justice System Training Course

Introduction

Mental health and substance abuse are critical, intersecting challenges in the criminal justice system. Incarcerated individuals disproportionately suffer from untreated psychiatric disorders and addiction, which can lead to increased recidivism, strained correctional resources, and inadequate rehabilitation outcomes. Mental Health and Substance Abuse in the Criminal Justice System Training Course is designed to equip criminal justice professionals, healthcare providers, social workers, and policymakers with the knowledge and tools necessary to recognize, assess, and respond to mental health and substance use disorders within justice-involved populations. By emphasizing early intervention, trauma-informed care, evidence-based treatment, and systemic reform, the course promotes a holistic approach to offender rehabilitation and public safety.

Using a multidisciplinary lens, this course addresses the behavioral, legal, and therapeutic complexities of managing mental illness and addiction in courts, jails, prisons, probation, and parole systems. Participants will explore the underlying causes of behavioral health crises, diversion and treatment strategies, dual diagnosis management, and effective reentry planning. With real-world case studies and interactive modules, learners will gain practical insights into fostering collaboration across criminal justice, healthcare, and community sectors. This course aligns with national priorities on criminal justice reform, mental health equity, and addiction recovery, offering scalable solutions for frontline practitioners and leaders.

Course Objectives

1. Understand the intersection of mental health and criminal justice systems.
2. Identify common substance use disorders (SUDs) in justice-involved populations.
3. Apply trauma-informed care practices in correctional settings.
4. Evaluate co-occurring disorders (dual diagnosis) and treatment pathways.
5. Examine mental health courts and diversion strategies.
6. Analyze the impact of addiction on incarceration and recidivism.
7. Implement crisis intervention techniques for law enforcement and corrections.
8. Address racial disparities in behavioral health treatment.
9. Integrate peer support and recovery models into correctional care.
10. Develop reentry plans that include mental health and addiction support.
11. Collaborate with community-based treatment and service providers.
12. Enhance policy and leadership skills for systemic change.
13. Utilize evidence-based practices for mental health and substance abuse interventions.

Target Audience

1. Correctional Officers and Jail Administrators
2. Probation and Parole Officers
3. Law Enforcement Personnel
4. Criminal Justice Students and Scholars
5. Social Workers in Legal Settings
6. Mental Health and Addiction Counselors
7. Public Health Officials
8. Criminal Court Judges and Attorneys

Course Duration: 10 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Overview of Mental Health in the Criminal Justice System

• Prevalence of mental illness among incarcerated individuals
• Legal obligations for mental health care
• Challenges in managing behavioral health in custody
• Effects on staff safety and inmate well-being
• Current gaps in systems and services
• Case Study: Untreated schizophrenia in a county jail

Module 2: Substance Use Disorders and Addiction Science

• Neurobiology of addiction
• Common drugs of abuse among inmates
• Substance use screening tools
• Detoxification protocols in detention
• Relapse prevention programs
• Case Study: Methamphetamine use and violent behavior

Module 3: Dual Diagnosis and Co-occurring Disorders

• Recognizing dual diagnosis in correctional settings
• Diagnostic challenges and misclassification
• Integrated treatment models
• Coordinated care systems
• Ethical concerns and confidentiality
• Case Study: Bipolar disorder and heroin addiction

Module 4: Trauma and Its Impact on Criminal Behavior

• Types of trauma in justice-involved populations
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms
• Trauma-informed environment principles
• Screening for trauma histories
• Staff training for trauma sensitivity
• Case Study: Childhood trauma and adult incarceration

Module 5: Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crises

• Suicide risk factors in correctional populations
• Suicide prevention protocols
• Use of observation units and safety cells
• Mental health emergency response teams
• Legal consequences of custodial suicide
• Case Study: High-risk inmate suicide after court denial

Module 6: Legal Framework and Civil Rights

• Competency evaluations and restoration
• Involuntary treatment and forced medication
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance
• Rights to treatment under the Eighth Amendment
• Mental health advocacy in courts
• Case Study: Failure to provide psychiatric care

Module 7: Correctional Mental Health Services

• Staffing models for in-house mental health care
• Medication management challenges
• Therapeutic interventions in jails/prisons
• Behavioral incentives and sanctions
• Role of psychiatric nurses and counselors
• Case Study: Behavioral health unit in a state prison

Module 8: Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) and First Responders

• CIT model and training standards
• De-escalation tactics for mental health calls
• Role of 911 dispatch in triage
• Community-based alternatives to arrest
• Partnerships with psychiatric emergency services
• Case Study: Law enforcement diversion to crisis center

Module 9: Mental Health Courts and Specialty Dockets

• Origin and purpose of mental health courts
• Eligibility and screening processes
• Judicial oversight and treatment compliance
• Collaboration among stakeholders
• Success rates and recidivism reduction
• Case Study: Felony mental health court diversion

Module 10: Jail Diversion and Community Supervision

• Pre-booking diversion strategies
• Alternatives to incarceration
• Conditional release with treatment mandates
• Monitoring and compliance systems
• Community mental health agency coordination
• Case Study: Diversion program for first-time offenders

Module 11: Reentry Planning and Continuity of Care

• Barriers to treatment after release
• Medication and housing continuity
• Peer support and transitional services
• Insurance and access to care
• Preventing overdose post-incarceration
• Case Study: Opioid overdose upon reentry

Module 12: Juvenile Justice and Behavioral Health

• Developmental considerations for youth
• Common disorders in juvenile populations
• Juvenile mental health courts
• Family and school system involvement
• Early intervention and wraparound services
• Case Study: ADHD and conduct disorder in juvenile court

Module 13: Women, Trauma, and Mental Health in Corrections

• Gender-specific treatment needs
• Domestic violence and trauma histories
• Parenting and reunification issues
• Gender-responsive programs
• Self-harm and eating disorders in women inmates
• Case Study: PTSD in female prisoners

Module 14: Racial and Cultural Considerations in Mental Health Care

• Disparities in diagnosis and treatment
• Cultural stigma around mental illness
• Language and communication barriers
• Culturally adapted interventions
• Community engagement in diverse settings
• Case Study: Misdiagnosis due to cultural bias

Module 15: Policy Reform and Leadership for Behavioral Health

• Legislative approaches to behavioral justice
• Funding and resource allocation
• Cross-system collaboration
• Building leadership capacity
• Advocacy for mental health equity
• Case Study: Statewide reform initiative on behavioral health

Training Methodology

• Interactive lectures by field experts
• Scenario-based role playing and simulations
• Real-world case study analysis
• Multimedia learning tools (videos, infographics, quizzes)
• Group discussions and reflection journals
• Pre- and post-training knowledge assessments

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.