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Co-Occurring Mental and Substance Abuse Disorders Course Participants
Observe Mental Health Court

By Heather Singer, NJC Communications Specialist

7/21/2008

The National Judicial College’s Co-Occurring Mental and Substance Abuse Disorders course offers both substantive training and innovative ideas and solutions to equip judges to effectively handle cases involving persons with mental health and substance abuse disorders.

“This is a practical and informative course for any trial judge who handles a criminal docket,” said Hon. Stephen Goss, of Albany, Ga., who has served as an NJC faculty member since 2003. “This course will make a positive impact on the operation of mental health courts,” added Judge Goss, who presides over a felony mental health court program.

The August 18-21, 2008 course, which will be held on the NJC’s Reno campus, will address the physiological and pharmacological aspects of substance abuse and help judges identify and assess individuals with mental health disorders. It will also assist judges in selecting appropriate judicial strategies and tools for treatment and monitoring; and it will help judges design a plan for implementing systems or ideas to address co-occurring disorders issues.

“One major objective is for judges to come away from the course better able to handle cases involving drugs and mental disorders,” said Dr. John Chappel, a psychiatrist at the University of Nevada, Reno, who is one of the faculty members for the course. “Judges who take this course will have access to an experienced, well-balanced faculty to help them deal with real problems and complex issues.”

Two of the most thought-provoking aspects of the course are observing a mental health court in session and attending an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting to listen to AA members share their stories, said Judge Goss. “Attending a live 12-step program is a powerful learning tool,” explained Judge Goss. “I went through the course before I started teaching it and I can tell you going to a meeting had a huge impact on me.”

In addition to Judge Goss and Dr. Chappel, the Honorable Peggy Hora, who recently retired from the Alameda County, California, Superior Court, also serves as faculty for the course. To register, please call (800) 25-JUDGE. Scholarships are available!