LightHouse Counselling and Wellness’ Post

Police in New Zealand – as with many other jurisdictions – are facing significant growth in callouts to mental health incidents, and are considering various approaches; new research by Auckland University of Technology Associate Professor Katey Thom, and Sarah Gordon, Associate Professor in Psychology at the University of Otago, suggests that shifting to a trauma-informed support system could improve responses and reduce police involvement. ❝Our research shows a shift to a trauma-informed support system could be a game changer. It has the potential to greatly reduce police involvement while improving support for individuals in distress.❞ ❝Our analysis of 111 calls suggests mental health or social service providers could lead most responses without the need for police.❞ ❝While police often felt they needed more specialist training, the research identified a basic humanistic response was most important to the people they serve.❞ ❝Police must be confident in using a trauma-informed approach that emphasises humanistic engagement across all frontline policing.❞ https://lnkd.in/eswWK-eB #lawenforcement #policing #police #mentalhealth NZ Police

This is an article from NASW which discusses the best practices for social work in police departments. I feel this is a very interesting and necessary growth in social work. In a time where police brutality is a hot topic issue, an educated and nuanced response is utmost important. The article details The Police Assisted Addiction & Recovery Initiative (PAARI) which is a non-arrest law enforcement program targeted towards addiction. The program paints addiction as a disease rather than personal failure, and provides on demand treatment. The idea is using a deflect and diverge method, aiming to reduce overdoses increasing access to care. This would ideally lead to less arrests and overall more targeted treatment for these specific issues. This article speaks to the unique challenges Social workers may face in this role. Police officers and Social workers both serve their communities, but in very different capacities, and with different goals in mind. For example, police officers deploy justice through the law, while social workers advocate for justice through systems like welfare. The challenge is to remain rooted in the NASW no matter what is occuring around you. The article suggested leaning in to other social workers and staying in the loop with updated research. 

📢 Offenders in Wales with low-level mental health issues will be required to attend an assessment as part of a government scheme to tackle reoffending. Find out more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eENPzaED Health and Care Research Wales Ben Lloyd #socialwork #socialworknews #socialworktoday #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness

See link below to my analysis of the key provisions of the Mental Health Bill, and how it would reform the safeguards around detention and treatment in England and Wales.

On this International Day of Parliamentarism, we urge parliaments and parliamentarians to take concrete steps towards removing the GST/HST on therapy in Canada. By advocating for tax-free therapy services, they can make mental health care more accessible for all Canadians and address the urgent need for support in our communities. #PRPA #ParliamentarismDay #TaxFreeTherapy #MentalHealthAdvocacy #PRPA #SupportMentalHealth

https://lnkd.in/gChuM5Vf It's interesting to see that the whole ethos of the 1990s / 2000s Drug and Alcohol Interventions Programmes has swung back into focus , with talks of specialist Courts , 'out of crime and into treatment ' etc - the pendulum of focus is back on the causes of criminal activity and acquisition crime, with diversionary approaches. It's fascinating - only 8 years ago I was effectively told to ' stop going on ( and on, apologies) about substance use ' having pointed out that a particular major policy document about violence didn't mention substance use. Having stepped out of that world 6 years ago and broadened my experience I'm more convinced than ever that the 'holy trinity' ( Substance use, poor mental health and homelessness/ poor housing ) are intrinsically linked and any ' bright new ideas' have to bring those three elements together as shared outcomes , jointly commissioned. Separate CJS provisions operating in silos need to be done away with and a Public Health approach - including Courts - should be considered.

Psychosocial interventions for self‐harm in adults https://lnkd.in/dAgK5YPT

We continue our ongoing psychosocial engagement aimed at effecting positive behavioral changes among our children and young persons in schools to contribute to a greater society. #mentalhealthmatters #treasureyourmentalhealth #psychosocialengagement #problemsolving

Really important work by Dr Renée Aleong examining the role of the #AMHP in the disproportionate detention of individuals from black ethnic groups. Dr Aleong highlighting the need for more guidance in the Code of Practice on the practical application of the social perspective and greater recognition and action in relation to the clear links between socio-economic deprivation and poor mental health. I've always felt that we need social care crisis teams much more than medically oriented ones - and this is why. Social capital, networks and support is what prevents detention.

PM Christopher Luxon…if you and Minister Matt Doocey are looking for innovative solutions for mental health crisis response, look to Avel eCare. We’re the telemedicine experts. https://lnkd.in/g4hUgWdR Avel eCare Crisis Care supports law enforcement responding to mental health-related calls. ✅ 24/7 Behavioral Health Expertise: Avel supports law enforcement officers with immediate access to mental health professionals via telemedicine. This ensures that trained clinicians can offer real-time support during crisis situations, helping officers assess and manage individuals experiencing mental health crises without the need for an in-person mental health professional. ✅ De-escalation Support: Through telehealth consultations, Avel eCare professionals provide de-escalation techniques tailored to the individual’s mental health condition. This reduces the likelihood of confrontations escalating, ensuring safer interactions for both officers and the individuals involved. ✅ Reduction in Unnecessary Hospitalizations or Arrests: By involving behavioral health specialists early in the response, Avel eCare helps law enforcement determine whether individuals can be stabilized on the scene or require further care. This minimizes the use of emergency departments and incarceration for mental health cases, diverting individuals to appropriate care settings. #VirtualCare #CrisisCare #OfficerWellness #CitizenSupport U.S. Department of State New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade South Dakota Trade International Association of Chiefs of Police