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Mental and substance use disorders are more prevalent among persons in jails than they are in the general population, and people with severe mental illnesses are several times more likely to be found in jails than in hospitals. In Colorado, reports suggest that more than 50% of people in county jails have a serious mental illness. Nationwide, estimates suggest that approximately a million persons with behavioral health conditions are encountered by correctional staff across jails and prisons on any given day, and several million each year. Both people with and without behavioral health conditions exhibit appreciable rates of criminal recidivism following release from incarceration, and those with substance use disorders or co-occurring (substance use and mental) disorders tend to display the highest rates of recidivism.

The Risk–Need–Responsivity model (RNR) is a promising framework for reducing criminal recidivism in this population. This course equips Colorado clinicians in jail and outpatient settings with the awareness and knowledge needed to commit to RNR’s overarching and organizational principles as a foundation for services poised to reduce recidivism. Participants will also examine how to use RNR’s core principles to inform services. Additionally, participants will examine RNR’s structured assessment, program delivery, and staff practices principles to further inform how and what to assess, decision-making about the intensity of services, and how to effectively interact with clients and maintain them in services. Upon conclusion, participants will be better prepared to synthesize the philosophy of RNR with the values of the behavioral health system.

The courses in this series provide behavioral health providers with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to effectively support Veterans and military affiliated populations in community care settings.

Content addresses key challenges such as barriers to care, mental health concerns, trauma exposure, frequent relocations, and family separations. The series also equips providers to navigate suicide prevention, connect families to vital resources from the DoD and VHA, and promote resilience within these populations. Through a focus on protective factors and tailored treatment considerations, learners gain critical insights for enhancing care for those who have served our nation and their families.

The percentage of Veterans in Colorado surpasses the national average, standing at 7.4% (U.S. Census, 2020). Our Veterans have served and sacrificed for our nation and deserve the very best care. This course is designed to provide you with knowledge, tools, and insights to support Veterans in the community care setting. It covers barriers to care, protective factors, and treatment considerations for Veterans. Additionally, you will gain information and skills to navigate suicide prevention when serving this population group.