More than 450 probation, community corrections, and behavioral professionals came together October 28th-30th in LaVista for the 2019 Justice and Behavioral Health Conference. The Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation sponsored this statewide event in partnership with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Division of Behavioral Health and the Mid-America ATTC.

Focusing on community-based supervision and behavioral health treatment as a means of reducing recidivism, this conference highlighted the importance of cross-system collaboration to improve responses and outcomes for justice-involved individuals with behavioral health needs. Breakout sessions ranged from a number of topics such as emerging drug trends, treatment approaches, trauma, workforce development, and self-care.

Keynote speakers included: Dr. Robert DuPont, M.D., the second White House Drug Chief and a leader in drug policy, substance use prevention and addiction treatment for more than 50 years; Nic Sheff, subject of the movie Beautiful Boy and author of two memoirs about his struggles with addiction; Tonier Cain-Muldrow, founder and CEO of Healing Neen, Inc., educator on trauma, addiction, incarceration, and behavioral health; Dr. Richard Rawson, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor, UCLA Department of Psychiatry, who presented on evidenced-based treatments for methamphetamine dependence; and New Hampshire Superior Court Chief Justice, Tina Nadeau, featuring the Judge’s role in problem-solving courts. 

Dr. DuPont applauded Nebraska’s conference planning efforts stating, “Effectively and systematically linking health and criminal justice is an essential element in the nation’s response to the drug epidemic. You are at the forefront of that vital connection.”

The conference also represents a significant step in continuing strategic reform for behavioral health and justice. Research has shown that mental and substance use disorders affect people from all walks of life, with or without justice involvement, and, with the services and supports of behavioral health providers, many people recover.

The Nebraska Judicial Branch and our network of Registered Service Providers share a critical role in ensuring that every individual we serve receives the support, skills, and opportunity for recovery in order to live productively with dignity and respect. For this reason, the Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation remains committed to enhancing and strengthening the Nebraska State Probation’s case management approach to mental health, and substance use disorders and the impact supervision and services can have toward successful outcomes.

Submitted by Renee Faber, Conference Project Manager, and Supportive Services Specialist

Top photo: “A New Paradigm for Recovery: Linking the Systems of Treatment and Criminal Justice” featuring keynote speaker, Dr. Robert DuPont, M.D., President, Institute for Behavior and Health

State Probation Administrator, Deb Minardi kicks off the opening ceremony.

Judge James Doyle provides introductory remarks for Justice Tina Neadeau’s luncheon presentation.

New Hampshire Superior Court Chief Justice Tina Nadeau

Judges Roundtable  

Conference Co-Chairs and Organizers