Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

CMHS Consumer Affairs E-News
May 18, 2007, Vol. 07-83

Free Teleconference Examines Competency to Stand Trial Issues

The CMHS National GAINS Center for Systemic Change for Justice Involved Persons with Mental Illness

Some Quick Fixes for Backlogged Incompetency to Stand Trial Systems

**Easy Access Net/Teleconference**

Thursday, June 7, 2007
2:00-3:30 pm Eastern Time

Join the National GAINS Center's free Easy Access Net/Teleconference on Thursday, June 7th from 2:00-3:30 PM (Eastern Daylight Time) for an informative look at the current crisis facing many states regarding the lack of capacity to provide inpatient beds for individuals found incompetent to stand trial.

On April 20, 2007, the National GAINS Center convened 40 experts from across the nation to:

• Systematically examine the complexities of the competency to stand trial process
• To identify best practices instituted in some states and communities, and
• To issue recommendations to the field regarding amelioration of the problem and efficient management of the competency to stand trial process.

In this Net/Teleconference, Russell Kurth, Lead Defense Attorney of the Seattle Municipal Mental Health Court, and Joel Dvoskin, Ph.D., University of Arizona College of Medicine and President, American Psychology - Law Society will provide:

• A national overview of the scope of the problem
• Identify procedures, which ameliorate the issues, and
• Recommend changes in funding, policy or law that may begin to resolve the current crisis in many states.

The presenters will address the issue in a broad fashion, go beyond the laws and procedures governing competency to focus on the systemic issues that involve balancing public safety and the rights of the individuals who require access to recovery-oriented services.

Following the presentation there will be an opportunity for audience questions. Please follow the instructions below to reserve your spot today!

To register in advance of the event

To guarantee your place for this event, please register in advance using our online registration form. To do this:

• Go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=856063801212
• Provide your information as directed and then click done.

To access the audio portion on the day of the event

Call this USA toll-free number: 1-888-262-0101

If requested, provide the following information to access the Net/Teleconference: Passcode: 38215, or "Some Quick Fixes for Backlogged Incompetency to Stand Trial Systems"

To access the PowerPoint presentation on the day of the event

1. Go to: http://www.quickconnected.com/web/index.html
2. Enter the conference entry code: 38215

For more information, please contact Noel Thomas at 1-800-311-4246 ext. 280 or nthomas@prainc.com.

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The Center for Mental Health Services is a component of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, United States Department of Health and Human Services.