June 2023 training opportunity – Second Opinion Evaluations for Non-Secured Status in Ohio’s Mental Health System

Second Opinion Evaluations for Non-Secured Status in Ohio’s Mental Health System

June 8, 2023, 1:00 to 4:00 PM – via Zoom Webinar

One of the four types of evaluations funded by the Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services (OHMHAS) is something called the Second Opinion for Non-secured Status. In the field, we refer to this as a “second opinion” or “285” evaluation because the state hospital gives its opinion to the court about whether the individual is ready to move to a less restrictive setting, and then the forensic center for that acquittee’s county gives the second opinion on this matter. A “285” is essentially a risk assessment and treatment plan review of the Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) acquittee’s or Incompetent to stand trial – Unrestorable – criminal justice (ISTU-CJ) person’s appropriateness for being released from the structured treatment setting of the hospital back into the less restrictive setting of the community. In the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) this type of evaluation is called for in ORC 2945.401.

Drs. Erin Nichting and Andy Reisner will be laying out the steps necessary to complete this type of evaluation from the perspective of the forensic centers and from experience as legal examiners, forensic directors, and in Dr. Reisner’s experience, as a forensic monitor. These evaluations must include consideration of evidence-based risk-assessed items and the necessary background information that informs and identifies the individual’s risks and strengths that might mitigate this.

Participants in this training will receive the PowerPoint presentation, have access to the presenters via chat and asking questions, and will be provided with a survey at the end to provide feedback. Subtitles and the option of having an interpreter will be made available to all participants. This program will be eligible for 3.0 OPA-MCE-qualified continuing education credits. If other professions are attending we will make every effort to help you get the necessary documentation to apply for CEs in your field.

PRE Registration is required:  https://forensicevaluationservicecenter.org/2023ceform/

If you are not affiliated with a forensic center, the cost of attending this training is $180. Once you have registered, you will be contacted with the details for payment. Full payment will have to be made before the training, in order to attend.

 

Published by Ohio Forensic Evaluation Center Directors Association

We offer Ohio's Courts of Common Pleas and the other criminal justice and mental health related services in our regions evidence-based, expertly crafted mental health opinions, and promote the ideals of objectivity and excellence in all forensic evaluation opinions proffered. We strive to promote this standard through the work of our centers and to our colleagues and consultants outside of our centers through training and supervision. Further, we never fail to consider the community's safety, as well as the individual's need for the most clinically appropriate interventions, as we are crafting these opinions and conducting our training. Additionally, we serve our colleagues in the state hospitals, the prison system and the state and county Mental Health and Addiction Services Boards, Developmental Disability Boards, Probation Departments and Municipal Courts to find effective solutions to many of our risk of violence and community mental health safety issues. We are proud to serve the courts of Ohio, and appreciate the ongoing recognition we receive for our work.

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