Navigating Justice & Community Support for Mental Health & Addictions
📅 Date & Time: Friday, May 16, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 Location: Bonnyville Native Friendship Centre
📢 The final agenda will be emailed to registrants once confirmed. Updates will also be posted on this Eventbrite page.
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
Registration & Details
💰 $33.50 per person (includes refreshments, a light lunch and administrative costs).
🎓 Certificate of Attendance – Eligible for Category A Social Work Competency Hours
📝 Agency/Group Registrations – If an organization would like to register multiple staff and requires an invoice, please contact Ruth Snyder at ruth.snyder@portagecollege.ca before registering.
📢 Resource Tables Available – Organizations working in mental health, addictions, justice, or community support are welcome to request a free resource table (one representative per agency). Resource table attendees who wish to receive a certificate of attendance must register and pay the $33.50 fee.
📄 Bringing Resources? – If you would like to share brochures or materials but don’t require a full resource table, a shared table will be available. Please indicate this when registering.
To request a resource table, please contact Ruth Snyder at ruth.snyder@portagecollege.ca.
Save Your Spot
🎟 Only 75 paid spots available! Register now to secure your place.
📩 Questions? Contact Ruth Snyder at ruth.snyder@portagecollege.ca
For more information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/navigating-justice-community-support-for-mental-health-addictions-tickets-1262860252009?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
