System of Care Academy: Mental Health Court: A Court of Dignity

Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren, pioneer of America’s first Mental Health Court describes the conditions of Broward County, Florida’s criminal justice system in the mid-1990’s which led to the establishment of America’s 1st specialized problem-solving mental health court, and the values of principles which guide the court’s application of therapeutic justice. The session will include ten essential elements of establishing a mental health court and more!

Each year, SOC Academy serves a diverse audience that includes advocates, clinicians, case managers, prevention specialists, peer support specialists, educators, faith-based leaders, psychologists/psychiatrists, child care providers, Family Resource & Youth Services Center staff, juvenile justice staff, family and juvenile services staff, community-based services staff, child welfare staff, public health staff, families and youth with lived experience, interested community members, and more. Last year SOC Academy was offered as a learning series, and it hosted 1438 attendees representing 32 states.

The Academy is convened by Kentucky’s Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities and Mental Health America of Kentucky.

Continuing education units will be available, pending board approvals, and the website will be updated as approved. American Sign Language (ASL Interpreters) and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) will be available upon request.