Mental Health America of Illinois presents:

Having Their Day in Court:

Supporting and Advocating for Clients with Mental Illness in Court Proceedings 

Presented by:

Krista Woods, MSW, LCSW

Even when clients are allowed to bring supportive people into the court room, many people with mild-to-severe mental illnesses can find court proceedings extremely stressful and may decompensate prior to each court hearing.  The additional stress of pending court hearings combined with the misunderstanding and misperception of people with mental illness can result in clients facing unnecessary probation, supervision, fines and/or jail time.

This workshop will provide practical ways to help clients with mental illness process and prepare for upcoming court hearings, which includes developing a “safety plan" and establishing and coordinating a treatment and support team.

If you are an advocate or support person for someone with mental illness who is facing the prospect of court-imposed penalties, learn how you can take an active role to help her/him as well as others.

Krista's workshop will be highly interactive and include case scenarios as well as ample time for Q & A.    

The cost for this workshop is $30.00. 2 CEUs are available for Social Workers and Professional Counselors. Discounted parking ($16) is located at 20 E. Randolph (Macy's Parking Garage).

About the Presenter:

Krista Woods, MSW, LCSW, is a clinical social worker in Illinois and has been a conference presenter and trainer on issues of chronic mental illness, substance abuse, crisis intervention, domestic violence and child welfare since 1994. She has received several awards from the Cook County Juvenile Courts for her outstanding testimony, client advocacy and leadership in court rooms. Throughout her career she has helped her clients win Social Security Disability cases, actively advocated for them in court proceedings, and assisted them in improving their quality of life and avoiding jail time and court penalties. Krista is the founder of Integrity Clinical Consulting & Training, which provides therapy, clinical services, consultation and training in the Chicagoland area and across the country. 

About MHEP:

The Mental Health Empowerment Project (MHEP) is a series of educational presentations/trainings on mental health-related topics. The goal of MHEP is to provide mental health, social service and other providers with the most up-to-date information and tools to successfully treat their clients and constituents, as well as to empower consumers to live successful and productive lives.