101018: The Special Needs Of Women With Co-Occurring Disorders Diverted From The Criminal Justice System

About the Course:

This course is intended to provide diversion programs and specialty court staff, including mental health and addiction professionals, with an overview of the issues specific to women with co-occurring disorders who are involved with diversion programs/specialty courts. It is also intended to provide ideas regarding key areas of modifications to current procedures than can lead to improved and enhanced services for women.

Journal/Publisher:

GAINS Center, SAMHSA

Publication Date:

July 2005

Author

Holly A. Hillis, Ph.D.

Recommended For:

This course is recommended for health care professionals, especially psychologists, addiction and mental health counselors, social workers, and nurses who seek knowledge about alternative programs for women offenders with co-occurring disorders who are diverted from the traditional criminal justice system. It is appropriate for an intermediate level of participants’ knowledge.

Course Objectives:

1. Define co-occurring disorders (mental health and substance abuse) and explain the special needs of women in the criminal justice system with co-occurring disorders.

2. Illustrate how the special needs of women in the justice system who have children are being addressed.

3. Describe the impact of trauma on women and the types of traumas from which they might suffer.

4. Explain and cite examples of gender-specific and trauma-informed diversion programs/specialty courts.

5. Describe core modifications for developing a trauma-informed diversion program.