Smart Responses in Tough Times

Achieving Better outcomes for People with Mental Illnesses Involved in the Criminal Justice System

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In the opening session, Peter Earley, journalist and author, recounted the difficulties of addressing the needs of a family member with a mental illness. Following on the heels of this personalized “statement of the problem,” Judge Steven Leifman from Florida discussed how individuals working at the local level can work to affect real change for people with mental illnesses involved in the criminal justice system.

Speakers:

• Peter Earley, Journalist, author of Crazy: A Father’s Search Through America’s Mental Health Madness (2006)
• Honorable Steven Leifman, Special Advisor on Criminal Justice and Mental Health, Supreme Court of Florida
• Moderator: Dr. Fred Osher, Director of Health Systems and Services Policy, Council of State Governments Justice Center

From the training and techinical assistance event hosted by the Council of State Governments Justice Center, in partnership with the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) held July 2009.