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Recognizing Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Clients – August 30

On August 30th, the Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (CFACDL) will be hosting Recognizing Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Clients with guest speaker Dr. Kim Spence, the Coordinator of Educational and Training Programs…
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Eating Disorders Linked to History of Theft – Reuters

Women with eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are up to four times more likely to be convicted of theft than people without eating disorders. Read more.
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Fentanyl: What to Do When a Field Test Can Kill

The Orange County Bar Association is hosting "Fentanyl: What to Do When a Field Test Can Kill" for 1 CLE credit hour, including 1 CLE for substance abuse. For more information, please see the event flyer.
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How Mental-Health Training for Police Can Save Lives—and Taxpayer Dollars – The Atlantic

This article from The Atlantic discusses how mental health training for law enforcement has saved not only lives, but also taxpayer money. In particular, the author describes the mental health reform enacted in Miami-Dade County and the City…
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From Alaska to Florida, States Respond to Opioid Crisis with Emergency Declarations – NPR

In response to the nationwide opioid crisis, state governments have issued emergency declarations. One result of these declarations has been the creation of databases allowing experts to better address the issue. Read more.
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A Mental-Health Facility 13 Years in the Making is One Vote Away from Becoming Reality – The Miami Herald

On September 7, the Miami-Dade County Commission votes on a proposal to approve renovations to the former South Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center. If approved, the center will be transformed into a mental health diversion facility.…
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Inside the First Court Designed to Keep Opioid Addicts Alive – VICE News

The Buffalo City Court has established the country's first opioid intervention court, which places eligible defendants into addiction treatment programs and places their drug charges on hold for a minimum of 30 days. Read more.
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Patient-Derived Support Cells Stunt Mouse Brain Development – National Institute of Mental Health

A newly released study suggests that some cases of schizophrenia may be caused by "an illness process rooted in wayward support cells instead of the neurons they sustain." The brains of mice were grafted with glial cells generated from patients…
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He Defended the Woman Who Drowned Her Five Children — Then Dedicated His Life to Making Sure It Never Happens Again – Narratively

George Parnham represented Andrea Yates, who was charged with drowning her five children. Yates was ultimately found not guilty by reason of insanity, primarily due to her severe case of postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. Since…
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‘Social Camouflage’ May Lead to Underdiagnosis of Autism in Girls – NPR

Although significantly more boys than girls are diagnosed with autism each year, some researchers say that the gender gap may not be as wide as it seems. Girls, they say, are better at blending in with social groups. Read more.
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Briefing: Ending Solitary Confinement in Juvenile Facilities – August 2, 2:00 PM

Tomorrow, the Juvenile Law Center will be livestreaming a Congressional briefing on its latest report, Unlocking Youth: Legal Strategies to End Solitary Confinement in Juvenile Facilities. The video can be seen on JLC's Facebook page.
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Study Finds Mental Health Court Curbs Recidivism – Medical Express

The Florida Institute of technology released a new study finding that defendants who completed mental health court experienced dramatically reduced recidivism rates within three years of release. The study also found that those who re-offended…
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In Texas, People with Mental Illness are Finding Work Helping Peers – NPR

The use of peer support for people who suffer from serious mental illness has become more popular in recent years. In Texas, peer specialist training includes topics such as effective listening, ethics, and how to use your own story as a recovery…
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Intersection: Sheriff Chitwood on Training Deputies to be Guardians Not Warriors – WMFE

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is investigating the fatal shooting of a man by a Volusia County Sheriff's deputy at a gas station in Deltona last week. In this segment of Intersection, Volusia County Sheriff Michael J. Chitwood…
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Will Virginia Execute a Man Whose Crimes Were Driven by Delusions? – The Intercept

On July 6th, Virginia is set to execute William Morva, who is convicted of killing a security guard and a police officers. His advocates, however, are asking Governor Terry McAuliffe to grant clemency to Morva in light of his severe mental…