The State of Colorado is sponsoring a series of training courses in the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) curriculum. This 12-hour course is intended to enhance criminal justice and corrections’ staff skills to help clients/offenders developing a mental health problem, or in a mental health crisis situation. The philosophy behind the course is that mental health crises may be avoided through early intervention. If crises do arise, criminal justice and corrections staff can take action to reduce the harms that could result. MHFA trainees will become more astute about the prevalence of mental health issues in the correctional systems and the emotional and economic cost attached to various illnesses. They will learn the potential warning signs and risk factors for depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, psychotic, and eating disorders. The training is designed to teach criminal justice and corrections staff (via a five-step action plan) to assist offenders/clients in a mental health crisis and connect them to professional help. Resource information is available in the manual. MHFA is appropriate for all levels of staff.

RESOURCE:
Mental Health Services Locator (SAMSHA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

CLICK HERE for a searchable database of local mental health service providers.

 

ELIGIBILTY TO ATTEND THE 2-DAY MHFA TRAINING

The state of Colorado coordinates several interagency trainings on Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). These trainings are open to all levels of staff from State Probation, Community Corrections, Parole, the Department of Corrections, court personnel including judges, prosecuters, defense attorneys and other criminal justice and corrections practitioners.

TRAINING CREDITS

Trainees who successfully complete the 2-day MHFA training course are eligible for 12 hours of training credits

TERMS:

Trainees must be willing to commit to the two full, consecutive days in order to obtain the MHFA certificate.

COST:

Attendance to the MHFA training and materials are NO COST to eligible persons. Trainees are responsible for their own travel arrangements and expenses according the policies of their respective employers or agencies.

LODGING AND TRAVEL

Trainees who desire to stay at the host hotels (if applicable) should contact the reservations department at the hotel directly.

WHAT TO BRING?

Trainees are encouraged to dress comfortably and casually for the MHFA training, depending on their agency dress code policies and procedures.  Trainees should also be prepared to provide their own lunches and refreshments on both dates.

Please bring your own notebook or notepad for taking notes.