Addressing mental health, addictions and criminal justice challenges

Released: April 23, 2024 | Last Updated: April 30, 2024

News release School of Health and Human Services School of Arts and Science Community

Alumni from the Advanced Certificate in Mental Health, Addictions and Criminal Justice program

The Advanced Certificate in Mental Health, Addictions and Criminal Justice comes at a time when media seems filled with increased reports of people with mental health, addictions and criminal justice system issues intersecting with the communities in southern Vancouver Island and other areas of the province.

When it comes to calls related to mental health, addictions and homelessness we need to ensure a collaborative approach in keeping people safe and providing care for those who need it most.

- Superintendent Todd Preston, Officer in Charge of West Shore RCMP

The next intake of the eight-month long, part-time program is in September and brings together multidisciplinary knowledge, expertise, critical thinking and problem-solving practices.

“Our criminal justice system is over-represented with individuals who have mental health and addiction challenges,” says Wendy Taylor, chair and instructor in the Criminal Justice department at Camosun College. “The program focuses on ways to better meet people’s needs in the community with an integrated and collaborative approach. The program focuses on skills and strategies and takes an applied learning approach that embraces the expertise from mental health, social services and the criminal justice system.”

The program operates from a social justice perspective and emphasizes the values related to social responsibility, advocacy, and inter-professional practice.

“When it comes to calls related to mental health, addictions and homelessness we need to ensure a collaborative approach in keeping people safe and providing care for those who need it most,” explains Superintendent Todd Preston, Officer in Charge of West Shore RCMP. “The program at Camosun College ensures students gain an enhanced understanding and ability to provide integrated services and supports in order to advocate for those experiencing mental health and substance use challenges”.

The program features four courses delivered online, allowing students working in the field to accommodate their work and program schedules.

“I got so much out of the MHCJ course which I have been able to directly apply to my work,” says Paula Greene, Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) Programs Manager for Island Community Mental Health, and MHCJ alum. “It was invaluable to work in cohorts with people from different disciplines. For me learning more about the criminal justice system and how it intersects with community mental health and substance use work was extremely beneficial.”

Graduates will gain systemic level awareness and skills to navigate and support individuals with mental health and/or addiction challenges in residential settings and the community. Students may be currently working in or looking to pursue a career with mental health, addictions, community and criminal justice agencies.

Learn more about Camosun's Advanced Certificate in Mental Health, Addictions and Criminal Justice.”