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Federation of Ontario Law Associations
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Mental Health & Wellness Resources

BELL LET'S TALK DAY 2021

BELL LET'S TALK DAY 2021 SET A NEW RECORD!


Thanks to everyone who joined in and took action for mental health!  On #BellLetsTalk Day 2021, there were 159,173,435 messages of support driving $7,958,671.75 in new mental health funding by Bell!


For the 3rd year in a row, FOLA ran a month long #BellLetsTalk awareness campaign on Twitter to engage lawyers in talking about mental health on social media and help raise awareness about resources for lawyers.  


And thanks to you, FOLA increased our Twitter impressions by 450% on #BellLetsTalk day as compared to a normal calendar day!  

SEE OUR #BELLLETSTALK RESOURCES

MEMBER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM - FOR ONTARIO LAWYERS

Did you know?  Ontario lawyers (and their families) have access to a Member Assistance Program (MAP).   It is a fully confidential service provided by Homewood Health.


MAP provides secure, single sign-on access to counselling, coaching, online resources and peer volunteers. Members can get professional help with issues related to addictions, mental or physical health, work-life balance, career, family and more.

LEARN MORE

PEER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

If you're an empathetic and caring lawyer who has struggled in the past with addiction, mental health, or other serious issues, consider helping colleagues facing similar struggles by volunteering for MAP's confidential Peer Support Program. 

LEARN MORE

HUMAN SERVICES & JUSTICE COORDINATING COMMITTEES (HSJCCs)

The Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committees (HSJCCs) were established in response to a recognized need to coordinate resources and services, and plan more effectively for people who are in conflict with the law. 

Find out more

LOOKING FOR SOME ONLINE RESOURCES?

TAKE ME THERE!

LOOKING FOR WORKPLACE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES?

WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED HERE

MENTAL HEALTH & THE COURTS (USA)

On March 30, 2020, the Boards of Directors of the Conference of Chief Justices in the United States and Conference of State Court Administrators took action to establish a new Task Force to assist state courts in their efforts to more effectively respond to the needs of court-involved individuals with serious mental illness.  In addition to the Task Force Report, our section below offers a link to the Courts' Mental Health Resource Hub and more!

LEARN MORE

MANAGING THE SECOND WAVE: MENTAL HEALTH, RESILIENCE, & RESOURCES

Through the first wave of COVID-19, lawyers and law firms shifted to remote practice and developed new ways of serving clients and facilitating access to justice. But as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take its toll, we are all feeling the stress of “work/life blur” and pandemic fatigue. In this program, hear from leaders in the legal profession on how to move through the second wave. 


In this video, you will learn about the different risks and stressors faced by lawyers and firms, how individuals and employers can build resilience and empathy, and the supports and resources available to you. 

WATCH VIDEO

#BELLLETSTALK 2021

BELL LET'S TALK 2021!

To help make it easy for you to Continue the conversation, , FOLA has created and curated tweets that you can simply copy and paste into Twitter.  We also have valuable resources specially created for lawyers and images that we encourage you to use and share.


Click here to jump to our resources, suggested tweets, and images.

THIS IS WHY!

FOLA knows our community could use some help: too many lawyers are struggling - a high rate of lawyers experience some level of problem drinking, depression, and anxiety (according to a study of nearly 13,000 practicing lawyers commissioned by the American Bar Association and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation found).


READ A 2019 REPORT CALLED "CREATING A WELL-BEING MOVEMENT IN THE UTAH LEGAL COMMUNITY" BY THE  UTAH TASK FORCE ON LAWYER AND JUDGE WELL-BEING. 


If you are a lawyer and need help, please contact the Law Society's Member Assistance Program. 

MORE STATISTICS

A CASE FOR WELLBEING

It’s no secret that our profession is buckling under the weight of stress, anxiety, substance use, and depression. But we’re all in this together, and our colleagues are suffering. Let’s end lawyer suicide, destigmatize mental health challenges, and promote wellness in our profession. 


Learn how to find balance in your life and practice, identify the warning signs in yourself and others, and create a culture of wellness in your workplace. 

HEAR FROM LAWYERS HOW TO BALANCE YOUR LIFE

LAWYER WELLBEING: AN UNCHARTED PATH TO INCREASING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

How can we address the corrosive culture that promulgates incivility, overwork, and alcohol consumption as a badge of honor at the root of the profession’s diversity problem? 


In 2017, the American Bar Association's  the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being issued a comprehensive report titled The Path to Lawyer Well-Being: Practical Recommendations for Positive Change in that urged all stakeholders to develop initiatives to change the unhealthy state of affairs.  

DOWNLOAD REPORT

ON BELL LET'S TALK DAY, MAKE MENTAL HEALTH A PRIORITY!

WHY TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH?

TWEETABLE WELLNESS TIPS FOR LAWYERS

TWEETABLE WELLNESS TIPS FOR LAWYERS

Many people living with a mental illness (including lawyers and/or their clients) report that negative stereotypes about mental illness, and the resulting potential for discrimination, cause them more suffering - and more often in silence -  than the illness itself. 


As a result, two thirds of those suffering from mental illness are too afraid to seek the help that they need.


FOLA knows our community could use some help: too many lawyers are struggling - a high rate of lawyers experience some level of problem drinking, depression, and anxiety (according to a study of nearly 13,000 practicing lawyers commissioned by the American Bar Association and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation).  Self-medicating is not the solution!


But there is help.  Talk to your doctor and seek professional help.  With medication, and/or and proper self care, most people with mental illnesses are fully treatable.  But no one gets better in isolation.  Shame and silence makes it worse.


Please join FOLA as we  as we work together to break the silence around mental illness.


READ THE 2019 REPORT "CREATING A WELL-BEING MOVEMENT IN THE UTAH LEGAL COMMUNITY" BY THE  UTAH TASK FORCE ON LAWYER AND JUDGE WELL-BEING. 


If you are a lawyer and need help, please contact: 

LSO MAP

TWEETABLE WELLNESS TIPS FOR LAWYERS

TWEETABLE WELLNESS TIPS FOR LAWYERS

TWEETABLE WELLNESS TIPS FOR LAWYERS

#MentalWellness Tip: Find Healthy Outlets: In this #video http://bit.ly/2V8I4oP by @OBAlawyers, Dr. Douglas & Dr. Horner by discuss healthy outlets to help you cope #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc


#MentalWellness Tip: Dealing w/ Chronic Stress: In this #video http://bit.ly/2SeAw1D by @OBAlawyers, Counsellor Rosana Zammit helps you understand what chronic #stress is, why u should care, & what u can do about it #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc


#MentalWellness Tip: Ask for Help: Talk 2 those close to u about what 2 look 4 at the beginning of a downward depression spiral. Watch this @OBAlawyers #Video: http://bit.ly/2ENDNSH #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc


#MentalWellness Tip: Managing expectations: Ideas 2 help u w/ #timemanagement, relationships, demands, expectations & your own emotional needs by @OBAlawyers http://bit.ly/2AgOl91 

#BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc


#MentalWellness Tip: #Depression: Modes of Coping “Different Modes of Coping Can Help Different People Manage Adversity” #Video by @OBAlawyers http://bit.ly/2BHFCwj#BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc


#MentalWellness Tip: The Perfectionism Trap: Counsellor Rosana Zammit discusses the pros & cons of perfectionism: #Video by @OBAlawyers http://bit.ly/2Ag7cBc#BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc


#MentalWellness Tip: Managing Demands: #Legal work requires exactitude & critical attention to detail. Self-care can help lawyers do an even better job at work. http://bit.ly/2EL5A5x @OBAlawyers

#BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc


#MentalWellness Tip: Enjoy the Benefits of Exercise. Just five minutes of activity can boost your mood. #Video by @OBAlawyers http://bit.ly/2LyGWGx#BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc


#MentalWellness Tip: #MentalHealth Strategies 4 #Lawyers: Dealing w/ personality factors in the #workplace – the sooner, the better! http://bit.ly/2SdAAPk@OBAlawyers

#BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc


#MentalWellness Tip: At-Your-Desk Breathing Exercise: Counsellor Rosana Zammit demos a technique 2 help lower #stress levels. #Video by @OBAlawyers http://bit.ly/2SkfhvA 

#BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc

TWITTER-FRIENDLY MENTAL HEALTH FACTS (& FICTION)

TWITTER-FRIENDLY MENTAL HEALTH FACTS (& FICTION)

TWITTER-FRIENDLY MENTAL HEALTH FACTS (& FICTION)

Fast Fact about #MentalIllness #1: Mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some time through a family member, friend or colleague #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc


Fast Fact about #MentalIllness #2: In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a #mentalhealth problem or illness #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc


Fast Fact about #MentalIllness #3: Mental illness does not discriminate: It affects people of all ages, education, income levels, and cultures #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc


#MentalHealth Myth #1: #MentalHealth doesn’t affect me. FACT: We all need to take care of our mental health #HealthyMind, #HealthyBody #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc


#MentalHealth Myth #2: People w/ a #mentalillness never get better. FACT: Treatments are avail & full #recovery is attainable. It may involve more than just drugs; it also may include being socially & physically active #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc


#MentalHealth Myth #3: #Psychiatric disorders are not true illnesses. FACTS: Unlike a broken leg, #mentalillness can been invisible. They exist in our #brain chemistry and can be diagnosed #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc


#MentalHealth Myth #4: People w/ a mental illness lack intelligence. FACT: The level of intelligence among people w/ #mentalillness parallels healthy populations #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc


#MentalHealth Myth #5: People w/ a #mentalillness shouldn’t have jobs. FACT: People w/ mental illness can & do function well in the workplace. With a proper treatment plan, they can thrive as well as anyone else #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc


#MentalHealth Myth #6. People w/ mental illnesses just can’t handle stress. Fact: #Stress impacts well-being, but this is true for everyone. Taking care of yourself & asking for help are signs of #strength not weakness #BellLetsTalk @Ont_Law_Assoc


Looking for an image to add to your tweet? Check out our photo gallery below and then right click on any pic & save for easy sharing! 


Want to learn what you can do?  Here are some tips.

KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING!

TWITTER-FRIENDLY MENTAL HEALTH FACTS (& FICTION)

TWITTER-FRIENDLY MENTAL HEALTH FACTS (& FICTION)


WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH ALL YEAR LONG!


While #BellLetsTalk day lasts for only 24hrs, mental health is an ongoing issue.  


Let's keep talking!  


Don't have time to create your own tweets?  Don't know what to Tweet?  Want images to go with those tweets FOLA has you covered!


FOLA has created and curated tweets that you copy and paste,  We have #mentalwellness tips, #mentalhealth and #mentalillness facts and myths, images, and more.  All geared to lawyers.


Because we think Lawyers need to talk about #mentalhealth too.  


*****HAVE IMAGES AND/OR CONTECT TO SHARE?  WE MIGHT FEATURE IT HERE.  SEND CONTENT SUGGESTIONS TO KATIE AT:

katie.robinette@fola.ca and but BLT in the subject line.*****

CHECK OUT OUR IMAGES!

Mental Health & Resilience

A Discussion: Managing the Second Wave: Mental Health, Resilience and Resources

Program description:

Through the first wave of COVID-19, lawyers and law firms shifted to remote practice and developed new ways of serving clients and facilitating access to justice. But as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take its toll, we are all feeling the stress of “work/life blur” and pandemic fatigue. In this program, hear from leaders in the legal profession on how to move through the second wave. 

You will learn about the different risks and stressors faced by lawyers and firms, how individuals and employers can build resilience and empathy, and the supports and resources available to you.


Speakers:

Orlando Da Silva, LSM, Chief Administrator / CEO, Administrative Tribunals Support Service of Canada
Teresa Donnelly, Treasurer (President), Law Society of Ontario
Doron Gold, Staff Clinician and Presenter, Homewood Health
Mahwash Khan, Communications Counsel, Chair, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group, LAWPRO
Juda Strawczynski, Director, practicePRO, LAWPRO

Supporting materials


Attendees can claim a $50 Risk Management Credit to be applied to their LAWPRO premiums. Claim the credit here.


This program contains 1.5 Professionalism Hour(s)

LAWYER WELLNESS

STRESS/ANXIETY/DEPRESSION

DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ALCOHOL?

STRESS/ANXIETY/DEPRESSION

Stress Strategies:  A free online tool by the Psychology Foundation of Canada that gives practical ways to cope with stress.

  

BC Lawyer Assistance Program: Stress Management 


7 science-based strategies to cope with coronavirus anxiety from Jelana Kecmanovic, Adjunct Professor of Psychology, Georgetown University




OBA WELLNESS RESOURCES

DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ALCOHOL?

STRESS/ANXIETY/DEPRESSION

The Ontario Bar Association has a host of  wellness resources, including a 30-day fitness challenge, quick tips, and a CPD series.


SADNESS VS. DEPRESSION - a video


ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF EXERCISE - a video


Learn how you can create your own happiness


Want more resources?  

Click here

VISIT OBA LAWYER WELLNESS PAGE

DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ALCOHOL?

DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ALCOHOL?

DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ALCOHOL?

Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who think they have a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem.  

  

American Bar Association: Alcohol Use Disorders - signs & symptoms.


ABA Podcast: Substance Abuse and Mental Illness in the Legal Profession.



AA ONLINE MEETING DIRECTORY

MINDFULNESS

YOUR WELLBEING - CMHA

DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ALCOHOL?

Mindfulness Without Borders (MWB) is a leading provider of best practices and evidenced-based programs on secular mindfulness and social-emotional intelligence to youth, educators, health and corporate professionals in communities around the world.  MWB offers in-person and on-line workshops, produce a fantastic blog, and have lots of resources on their website.

  

MUSE, a Personal Meditation Assistant from Toronto's Interaxon, is wearable tech at its best!   It's a headband that, when paired with their app, gives you feedback about your meditation in real time by translating your brain signals into the sounds of weather.

YOUR WELLBEING - CMHA

YOUR WELLBEING - CMHA

YOUR WELLBEING - CMHA

Mental health means striking a balance in all aspects of your life: social, physical, spiritual, economic and mental. Reaching a balance is a learning process. At times, you may tip the balance too much in one direction and have to find your footing again. Your personal balance will be unique, and your challenge will be to stay mentally healthy by keeping that balance. 


Click here for information and suggestions from the Canadian Mental Health Association to help you keep your balance. 

CLICK HERE TO FIND YOUR LOCAL CMHA

HELPGUIDE.ORG

YOUR WELLBEING - CMHA

YOUR WELLBEING - CMHA

HelpGuide is a nonprofit mental health and wellness website. Their mission is to provide empowering, evidence-based information that you can use to help yourself and your loved ones. 


It's 100% ad-free and not for profit.

VISIT HELPGUIDE

MORE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

PEER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

WORK-LIFE: A CASE FOR WELLBEING

WORK-LIFE: A CASE FOR WELLBEING

If you're an empathetic and caring lawyer who has struggled in the past with addiction, mental health, or other serious issues, consider helping colleagues facing similar struggles by volunteering for MAP's confidential Peer Support Program.


The Peer Support Program, an integral part of the Member Assistance Program, offers peer-to-peer support to lawyers.  No experience is necessary!


Homewood Health provides all volunteers with on-going training on effective ways to support others in the profession.  The program is administrated by People Corporation to ensure the full confidentiality of all client information.


For more information about this volunteer opportunity, send an email to  peervolunteer@peoplecorporation.com or call  1.855.403.8922.

WORK-LIFE: A CASE FOR WELLBEING

WORK-LIFE: A CASE FOR WELLBEING

WORK-LIFE: A CASE FOR WELLBEING

It’s no secret that our profession is buckling under the weight of stress, anxiety, substance use, and depression. But we’re all in this together, and our colleagues are suffering. Let’s end lawyer suicide, destigmatize mental health challenges, and promote wellness in our profession. Read on to learn how to find balance in your life and practice, identify the warning signs in yourself and others, and create a culture of wellness in your workplace. 


LISTEN TO THESE PERSONAL STORIES FROM THE TEXAS STATE BAR:


DEALING WITH STRESS AS A LAW STUDENT 

SUICIDE PREVENTION 

OUT OF STRESS THROUGH MEDITATION 

FROM SUICIDAL THOUGHTS TO HEALTHY 

FINDING YOUR HEALTHY PLACE AWAY FROM WORK 

EVERYTHING WAS NOT OK - A SUICIDE ATTEMPT 

A SPIRAL INTO ADDICTION 

THE INTENSITIES OF LAW SCHOOL AND INTERVIEWING  

DEPRESSION BECAME SO MUCH IT FORCED A CALL FOR HELP 

MORE STORIES

WORKPLACE MENTAL HEALTH

HOW TO REDUCE COVID-19 ANXIETY IN THE WORKPLACE

HOW TO REDUCE COVID-19 ANXIETY IN THE WORKPLACE

HOW TO REDUCE COVID-19 ANXIETY IN THE WORKPLACE

Governments are beginning to loosen restrictions and some businesses are firing up their engines again. If you are leading one of these operations, you will be required to implement many new protocols to protect the physical and psychological safety of staff, both as a group and as individuals.


The work 2.0 reboot will become the new normal for workplaces, and while it may spur many good things - renewed energy for employees who have felt drained by isolation, innovation, enhanced processes and procedures - it will also require you to be acutely aware of employees’ needs and the way you can support, and ideally, positively impact their mental health as they move through this new phase of the crisis.


To do this successfully, it is important to have plans in place that reduce mental harm and promote mental health and wellness.

WORK 2.0 REBOOT: SUPPORTING EMPLOYEES’ MENTAL HEALTH

MORE ON COVID & THE WORKPLACE

HOW TO REDUCE COVID-19 ANXIETY IN THE WORKPLACE

HOW TO REDUCE COVID-19 ANXIETY IN THE WORKPLACE

Coronavirus has many people anxious about their personal safety and a number of people are worried about their safety at work as well as the possibility of having to miss work due to sickness. Education is a big part of managing people’s anxiety.  Blog post  and video by My Workplace Health. 


Clear, caring messages from all levels of leadership is helpful in reducing fear and uncertainty in the workplace in the face of public health concerns. Learn the best ways to effectively communicate about coronavirus in the workplace by clicking here.


Workplace Strategies for Mental Health: Dealing with Fear and Anxiety:  Daily video tips on taking care of your mental health during the pandemic 

MANAGING TEAMS FROM A DISTANCE

HOW TO REDUCE COVID-19 ANXIETY IN THE WORKPLACE

MANAGING TEAMS FROM A DISTANCE

Below are some quick tips on leading through today's changing environment:


Leading from a distance: Video

Protecting your team's wellbeing: Video

Leading Through Change: Lessons in Inclusion: Article

Workplace Strategies for Mental Health: Plan for Resilience: PDF

5 Tips for Remote Working (from the OBA): Article



ARTICLES & REPORTS OF INTEREST

ARTICLES & REPORTS OF INTEREST

MANAGING TEAMS FROM A DISTANCE

Warning signs: Why it’s important for lawyers and firms to be proactive about mental health - PracticePRO


Understanding mental health in the legal profession - PracticePRO


The Employer’s COVID-19 Return to the Workplace Playbook in Canada  - Osler


Understanding mental health and mental illness and their impacts in the workplace - Morneau Shepell 

WORKPLACE MENTAL HEALTH

ARTICLES & REPORTS OF INTEREST

WORKPLACE MENTAL HEALTH

Medcan offers employee health solutions bridge the gap between your benefits plan and the health needs of your employees.  Plus, they have some amazing resources for you and your family.  


The Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace is a leading source of free, practical tools and resources designed to help Canadian employers with the prevention, intervention and management of workplace mental health issues. All tools and resources are available in English and French to anyone, anywhere, at no cost.

CONVERSATION GUIDE

ARTICLES & REPORTS OF INTEREST

WORKPLACE MENTAL HEALTH

To help you be part of the conversation, the Bell Let’s Talk Conversation Guide was created. It provides information and resources on how you can facilitate a conversation in your community, as well as guidelines on how to have conversations with people you care about and may be concerned about. 

GET THE CONVERSATION GUIDE

WHAT YOU CAN DO!

If you are a lawyer and need help, please contact the Law Society's Member Assistance Program.


Language matters

The words you use can make all the difference. Words can help, but they can also hurt.


Educate yourself

Stigma has been around for a long time. knowing the facts and myths about mental illness can be a great way to help end the stigma. Become a stigma buster!


Be Kind

Simple kindness can make a world of difference. Whether it be a smile, being a good listener or an invitation for coffee and a chat, these simple acts of kindness can help open up the conversation and let someone know you are there for them.


Expressions like “You’ll get over it” and “Just relax” can minimize how a person is feeling. Instead offer your support and say “I’m sorry you aren’t feeling well.” Ask what you can do to help.


Listen

Mental illness is a very common form of human pain and suffering. Being a good listener and asking how you can help, sometimes just even being there for people you care about, can be the first step in recovery.


Talk about it

Break the silence. Mental illness touches us all in some way directly or through a friend, family member or colleague. Stories of people who have experienced mental health issues and who are doing well can really challenge stereotypes. Most people with mental health issues can and do recover, some just by talking about it.


Other helpful tips

To help you be part of the conversation, the Bell Let’s Talk Conversation Guide was created. It provides information and resources on how you can facilitate a conversation in your community, as well as guidelines on how to have conversations with people you care about and may be concerned about.

 

Download Bell’s Conversation guide

HUMAN SERVICES & JUSTICE COORDINATING COMMITTEES (HSJCCs)

RELEASE FROM CUSTODY COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE

RELEASE FROM CUSTODY COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE

RELEASE FROM CUSTODY COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE

The Provincial HSJCC is looking for members to join a community of practice focused on addressing release from custody issues across Ontario.
 

Regional and Local HSJCCs have repeatedly reported that clients are being released from custody without appropriate discharge planning, connections to housing or community supports. These issues have been further exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, the Provincial HSJCC has committed to identifying ways the HSJCC Network can coordinate efforts of our members across Ontario.
 

The P-HSJCC Release from Custody Community of Practice will be made up of members from across the HSJCC Network who work in the housing, health and justice sectors that support and coordinate efforts for those being released from correctional institutions. Members will raise issues and brainstorm solutions at a Local, Regional, and Provincial level. This may include connecting clients to housing, finding transportation to home communities and sharing creative practices across the province.
 

The Community of Practice will meet on a regular basis via teleconference or a virtual platform. Additional issues may be discussed between members by email or through the use of online forums. Members from Local, Regional and Provincial HSJCCs, as well as our partner stakeholders, are welcome to join. For more information, please contact Christine Conrad at cconrad@ontario.cmha.ca 

ABOUT HSJCCs

RELEASE FROM CUSTODY COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE

RELEASE FROM CUSTODY COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE

The HSJCCs were established in response to a recognized need to coordinate resources and services, and plan more effectively for people who are in conflict with the law. Priority consideration is for people with a serious mental illness, developmental disability, acquired brain injury, drug and alcohol addiction, and/or fetal alcohol syndrome. 


The committees were generated as a cooperative effort between the Ministries of the Attorney General, Children, Community and Social Services, Health and the Solicitor General.


The two primary areas of emphasis for the committees are:

  1. To provide a planning table to bring together service providers to find solutions to the problem of the criminalization of people with the defined unique needs, and;
  2. To develop a model of shared responsibility and accountability in dealing with this group of individuals at points of intersection with the justice system.

VISIT HSJCC WEBSITE

PROVINCIAL PROJECTS

RELEASE FROM CUSTODY COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE

REGIONAL & LOCAL COMMITTEES

Work planning and reporting helps HSJCCs from across the province plan their activities for the year. Reporting ensures there is accountability across the network and is a great way to highlight the accomplishments of the HSJCC Network.


Regional and Local HSJCCs develop their work plan based on a standardized reporting template.  


The HSJCCs provide reports on the following:

Mental Health Courts in Ontario;

Older Adults and the Justice System;

Housing & Justice Reform; and

Police-Hospital Transitions Frameworks

LEARN MORE

REGIONAL & LOCAL COMMITTEES

PROVINCIAL HSJCC ANTI-RACISM COMMITTEE

REGIONAL & LOCAL COMMITTEES

Regional committees were established to coordinate communication and service integration planning between health, criminal justice, and developmental service organizations within specific regions. Local committees provide input to these regional groups. The Provincial Committee, consisting of regional chairs and Ministry representatives, has been developed as a provincial planning body. 

LEARN MORE

PUBLIC POLICY

PROVINCIAL HSJCC ANTI-RACISM COMMITTEE

PROVINCIAL HSJCC ANTI-RACISM COMMITTEE

The Provincial HSJCC is committed to identifying provincial service and policy issues across Ontario, making recommendations to address such issues and identifying system solutions to appropriate government and other provincial bodies. As such, the Provincial HSJCC often participates in consultations and prepares submissions to help address issues and advance improvements to the human services and justice coordination efforts of the HSJCCs and the Government of Ontario.


 In December 2020, the HSJCC published a new report by Ontario’s leading experts on housing, justice, and mental health and addictions that outlines how existing supportive housing could more effectively meet the needs of justice-involved individuals and reduce strain on the health and justice systems.  Read that here!  


The HSJCC  has also made recent submissions regarding issues exacerbated during COVID-19 which you can find on their COVID-19 updates page. 

VISIT HSJCC PUBLIC POLICY PAGE

PROVINCIAL HSJCC ANTI-RACISM COMMITTEE

PROVINCIAL HSJCC ANTI-RACISM COMMITTEE

PROVINCIAL HSJCC ANTI-RACISM COMMITTEE

The Provincial HSJCC is looking for members to join a standing committee focused on addressing Anti-Racism across the HSJCC Network. Following high profile incidents of anti-racism both provincially and internationally, as well as feedback received from our Regional HSJCCs, the Provincial HSJCC has committed to identifying ways the HSJCC Network can be a leader in addressing Anti-Racism.
 

The P-HSJCC Anti-Racism Committee will be made up of members from across the HSJCC Network who will provide invaluable input and guidance in the development of a network wide strategy that will represent the interests of Local and Regional HSJCCs at the provincial level.
 

Committee members will:

  • Provide advice and oversight to the Provincial HSJCC on all anti-racism practices, processes and cultural diversity throughout the network.
  • Act as Anti-Racism Champions,      representing Local and Regional HSJCCs, and partner organizations to help identify systemic issues that will meet the interests of the full HSJCC membership.


The Anti-Racism Committee will meet on a regular basis via teleconference or virtual platform. Additional consultations may be done with members by email. Members from Local, Regional and Provincial HSJCCs, as well as our partner stakeholders, are welcome to join. For more information, please contact Andrew Fairbairn at afairbairn@ontario.cmha.ca 

SOME US & UK STATS

AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION

FLORIDA LAWYERS & MENTAL HEALTH

FLORIDA LAWYERS & MENTAL HEALTH

Reasons to improve attorney well-being

NATIONAL TASK FORCE ON LAWYER WELL-BEING 

FLORIDA LAWYERS & MENTAL HEALTH

FLORIDA LAWYERS & MENTAL HEALTH

FLORIDA LAWYERS & MENTAL HEALTH

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID UK

FLORIDA LAWYERS & MENTAL HEALTH

CALIFORNIA LAWYERS AND ALCOHOL

CALIFORNIA LAWYERS AND ALCOHOL

AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION MENTAL HEALTH PLEDGE - UTAH

CALIFORNIA LAWYERS AND ALCOHOL

LEGAL STUDENTS & MENTAL HEALTH UK

AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION MENTAL HEALTH PLEDGE - UTAH

AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION MENTAL HEALTH PLEDGE - UTAH

AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION MENTAL HEALTH PLEDGE - UTAH

AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION MENTAL HEALTH PLEDGE - UTAH

AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION MENTAL HEALTH PLEDGE - UTAH

REPORT ON LAWYER WELLNESS - 2019 

us courts & mental health

NATIONAL JUDICIAL TASK FORCE & MENTAL ILLNESS

NATIONAL JUDICIAL TASK FORCE & MENTAL ILLNESS

NATIONAL JUDICIAL TASK FORCE & MENTAL ILLNESS

On March 30, 2020, the Boards of Directors of the Conference of Chief Justices and Conference of State Court Administrators took action to establish a new Task Force to assist state courts in their efforts to more effectively respond to the needs of court-involved individuals with serious mental illness.


The Task Force will build upon the previous work of the NCSC National Advisory Committee  supported by funding from the State Justice Institute. Their work and future plans are described in the transition report, The Future is Now: Decriminalization of Mental Illness.

LEARN MORE

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RESOURCE HUB

NATIONAL JUDICIAL TASK FORCE & MENTAL ILLNESS

NATIONAL JUDICIAL TASK FORCE & MENTAL ILLNESS

In order to address mental health needs in your community, certain court and community responses must be developed early on. The best practices recommended on this website build the foundation for improving the court and community responses to mental health and co-occurring disorders. 

 

This website begins with leading change resources specifically designed for judges.  Every community will be at a different place with each of these practices. As you look through the various recommendations, consider your own community and the best way to use these tools to build a structure of support for mental health issues within it. 


VISIT HUB

TRENDS IN STATE COURTS

TRENDS IN STATE COURTS

TRENDS IN STATE COURTS

Opening with a series of statements on racial justice from six state supreme court chief justices, the 2020 edition of Trends In State Courts provides timely and diverse stories including an article on how collaborative efforts among justice, mental-health, and public-health systems are essential to respond to individuals who frequently cycle through systems, State Courts’ Responsibility to Convene, Collaborate and Identify Individuals Across Systems. 

DOWNLOAD REPORT

LEADING CHANGE GUIDE

TRENDS IN STATE COURTS

TRENDS IN STATE COURTS

The National Advisory Committee produced several informative resources to inform and educate the judiciary concerning mental health and the courts to include the Leading Change guide and the Coordinated Court and Community Responses website.


The Leading Change Guide for judges and court leaders is intended for court professionals who want to create change in how mental health needs are addressed in their communities but aren't sure how to get started. It lays out the steps for beginning the movement toward change in the court and community's response to mental health and co-occurring disorders—from inviting stakeholders to the first meeting to sustaining the initial momentum for long-term progress. It includes a list of potential stakeholders, action step checklists, sample meeting agendas, assessment questions.

DOWNLOAD GUIDE

Downloads

bell-lets-talk-facilitator-guide_2018 (pdf)Download
GettingHelp - workplace (jpg)Download
Utah Task-Force-Report-2019 (pdf)Download
Plan_for_Resilience_Workplace_Edition_EN (pdf)Download
understanding-mental-health-mental-illness-and-their-impacts-workplace (pdf)Download
Lawyer-Wellbeing-Report - ABA - 2017 (pdf)Download
bell lets talk facilitator guide 2020 (pdf)Download

BELL LET'S TALK PHOTO GALLERY

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