Evidence-based Guide to Suicide Prevention Strategies for Underserved Youth

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has released Suicide Prevention Strategies for Underserved Youth, an evidence-based guide providing strategies and insights specific to at-risk groups. The guide highlights existing research, discusses barriers to access, and offers guidance on selecting, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based prevention programs. It also highlights programs making strides in addressing suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young people from underserved communities.

Mental Health and Guardianship Call for Presentations

The Texas Guardianship Association is hosting the 2025 Guardianship Educational Conference at the Omni Hotel in Houston TX on September 17-19, 2025. The theme for this conference is “Houston, We Have Solutions: Mental Health and Guardianship.” TGA is soliciting expertise and knowledge to share with guardians and other professionals from throughout Texas. Click here to submit presentation objectives, a short description, title,  and speaker names and bios by January 24, 2025.

Supporting Youth with Developmental Disabilities in Crisis Webinar

Meadows Mental Health and Policy Institute is hosting the webinar "Supporting Youth with Developmental Disabilities in Crisis" on February 6, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.

Young people with developmental disabilities experience mental health concerns at higher rates than the general population, but experience multiple barriers in receiving care. Related challenges include underdiagnosis and focus on behavior modification rather than underlying trauma and mental health needs. Lack of access to competent, effective mental health treatment leads to higher instances of mental health crises and use of emergency response systems, which can lead to further trauma and an intensification of needs.

For more information and to register, click here.

Specialty Courts Grant Program Solicitation

The Office of the Governor has posted the Specialty Courts Grant Program solicitation for fiscal year 2026. All applicants are required to have completed the Best Practices Self-Assessment Tool within the last two years. The Specialty Courts Resource Center operated by Sam Houston State University will collect all assessment results to be included with each application during the review and scoring process. To access the Best Practices Self-Assessment Tool, contact Amber Gregory, SCRC Project Manager at agregory@shsu.edu.

The grant solicitation is available here and applications are due by February 13, 2025.

Judicial Education on the Science of Substance Use

The National Judicial College and All Rise are collaborating to provide no-cost education on Substance Use Disorder to equip judges with the knowledge to make informed decisions regarding individuals with SUD. The curriculum will include versatile training resources, ranging from on-demand videos to full-day implementation sessions.

Specific segments are planned on the science of addiction, the science of substance use treatment and recovery across the continuum of care, the science of court supervision, and the role of the judge in addressing SUD.

If this opportunity aligns with your educational goals, contact The National Judicial College and provide your court information.