Navigating Justice & Community Support for Mental Health & Addictions

About the Event:

Understanding how mental health, addictions, and justice systems intersect is essential for those working in legal, social, and community-based support roles.

This full-day learning event will bring together legal professionals, mental health experts, and community organizations to provide insight into:
✅ How mental health and addictions intersect with the justice system
✅ Patient rights, confidentiality, and diversion programs
✅ Community-led initiatives, including Indigenous-led programs and restorative justice
✅ Practical tools and resources to navigate these complex systems

The day will include interactive discussions, resource-sharing, and a Closing Circle Conversation to connect professionals and explore solutions.

Confirmed Speakers

We’re excited to welcome:

• Darcie Charlton (Senior Counsel & Agent Supervisor, Public Prosecution Services of Canada – Edmonton) to discuss how the justice system handles addiction-related cases
• Jennifer Taylor (Registered Psychiatric Nurse, Regional Police and Crisis Team – RPACT) to provide insights into mental health laws and crisis response in Cold Lake, Bonnyville, Elk Point, and Lac La Biche
• Donna Fries (Bonnyville Indian-Métis Rehabilitation Centre) to share effective addiction recovery strategies and community-based supports

Additional speakers, including experts in mental health diversion programs and restorative justice, will be announced soon!

Who Should Attend?

✔️ Social workers, mental health, and addiction professionals
✔️ Legal professionals, justice system workers, and law enforcement
✔️ Educators, students, and community service providers
✔️ Family members supporting individuals facing these challenges

A session reminder with login details will be emailed to registrants two days before the webinar.

More details about this workshop and how to register.

Brought to you by Portage College Public Legal Education and the Alberta Law Foundation.