Networking Highlights
Welcome Reception & Poster Session
Tues., 5:30 – 7:00
Regency Ballroom
Be sure to join other conference attendees in the Regency Ballroom following the first day of the conference. An array of hors d’ouevres will be offered as you network with your colleagues in the field of mental health/criminal justice policy, practice, and research. A brief awards ceremony will be held and poster presentations will be on display during the reception. Presenters will be available to discuss their posters with you at this time. Following the reception, the posters will be moved to the Exhibit Hall and Resource Center for the duration of the conference.
Topical Roundtable Discussions & Brown Bag Lunch
Wed.,12:00 – 1:30
Regency Ballroom
Bring your own lunch to the Regency Ballroom on the second day of the conference and join in lively discussions with other conference attendees. Tables will be assigned a topic, such as re-entry, peer specialists, or evidence-based practices, so you can discuss and network with colleagues interested in the same issue. Lunch will not be provided.
2008 National Meeting of the Judges’ Leadership Initiative
Wed.,12:00 – 3:15
Congressional B
All interested judges are invited to attend the 2008 National Meeting of the Judges’ Criminal Justice/Mental Health Leadership Initiative (JLI). The JLI provides support for the expanding leadership role of judges in community and state response strategies to the criminal justice system involvement of people with serious mental illness. The JLI facilitates information sharing and networking opportunities among judges and promotes the growth of judicial leadership. The CMHS National GAINS Center and the Council of State Governments Justice Center coordinate the JLI. This meeting is limited to judges only.
Update: All judges who plan to attend this meeting must RSVP by March 1 to Brian Case (800/311-4246 x257).
Caucus: Let’s Talk About Trauma – Consumers Involved with Justice Issues
Wed., 6:00 – 8:30
Thornton Room
Trauma is a significant factor in the lives of people diagnosed with mental illness and those who are incarcerated. According to a letter in 2006 to President Bush from the House Bipartisan Caucus on Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery:
“It has become more clear than ever psychological trauma is a primary — but often ignored or overlooked — factor of health (both physical and mental) with which survivors of violent crime, abuse, disaster, terrorism and war must contend, and this presents a public health crisis in the United States that needs to be addressed immediately.”
This evening caucus will provide a forum for consumers, family members, and/or survivors of traumatic events to discuss how mental health and forensic settings have assisted—or failed to assist—them in dealing with trauma and what needs to change to improve the healing process. The caucus will seek to give voice to consumers, family members, and/or trauma survivors so they can inform policy makers in order to improve services, supports, and organizational practices to facilitate healing and recovery. Presenters: Jacki McKinney, MSW; Mary Blake, CRE, SAMHSA, Center for Mental Health Services; Rhonda Elsey-Jones, National Women’s Prison Project. This meeting is limited to consumers.
Resource Highlights
Film Festival
Tues., 9:00 – 10:30 and 10:30 – 12:00
Wed., 1:45 – 3:15
Lexington
Stop by Lexington to view documentaries and other films from communities around the country that will inform, educate, and inspire! These films were created by service providers and county agencies, among others, on a range of issues relating to justice-involved people with serious mental illness. The filmmakers will moderate a discussion following each film. The Film Festival will run three times during the conference. A listing of films will be available at the conference registration table.
Be sure to check out these networking and resource opportunities that will be available throughout the 2008 CMHS National GAINS Center Conference:
Exhibit Hall & Resource Center
Regency Foyer
The Exhibit Hall and Resource Center is the place to meet with representatives from national organizations, community service providers, and consumer-operated agencies exhibiting their services. Be sure to take the opportunity to meet with the exhibitors and peruse the available resources at least once!
In Our Own Words: Our Experience with Mental Illness in the Criminal Justice System
Columbia Foyer
This exhibit will provide insight into the lives of justice-involved men and women with mental illness. Join us as we share the riveting first-hand perspectives on consumers who have been arrested, experienced court proceedings, and have been incarcerated in jail or prison. Through their personal stories, art, poetry, vignettes, and photos you will experience accounts of the struggles faced by justice-involved individuals with mental illness. This exhibit will transform your approach to your work.
Consumer Networking Center
Thornton Room
The Consumer Networking Center is available for use by all consumers throughout the conference. The center has been located in the Thornton Room on the eleventh floor of the hotel. Be sure to take part in networking activities at the center, with its beautiful views of Washington, DC. Look for a handout on the ConsumerNetworkingCenter at the conference registration table.
