In partnership with The Ohio Forensic Directors Association, Concept Professional Training, and Expert Evaluations, LLC we offer you the opportunity to reconsider how you perceive the individuals in front of you in a forensic evaluation. Our speakers will allow you to begin to consider the systemic inequities in the field of forensic psychiatry and psychology and how those inequities shape our ultimate opinions about everything from competency to sanity to transfer of cases.  

As the nationwide awakening to racial and discriminatory injustices against minorities in this country continue to grow, laws have been changed and policies have been enacted to set a new standard for our society. Many established institutions have publicly stated a change in their approach to become more culturally aware and to train their staff to do the same. To be culturally competent is a requirement for most medical professionals and those who frequently interact with diverse groups of people. The American Psychology Association loosely defines cultural competency as, “the ability to understand, appreciate and interact with people from cultures or belief systems different from one’s own” (DeAngelis, 2015). In other words, gaining more resources to better evaluate or assist your patients by understanding their cultural background.

This conference was created to improve knowledge and skills for forensic evaluators, mental health providers, and related professions. Our committee aimed to provide professionals with a space to think introspectively about how they interact with those that are racially and culturally different. Different topics will be covered during this conference, such as trauma-informed care, intellectual disabilities/ASD in forensic cases, and the impact of racial discrimination on adolescent mental health. Our key speakers will be Dr. Brian Sims, Dr. Antoinette Kavanagh, and Dr. Joette James. Historically, racial, and ethnic minorities have not been treated properly in the medical field leading to significant hesitancy to receive medical aid that stretches across generations. With the implementation of this conference, our committee calls on forensic evaluators and mental health providers to take that extra step forward in recognizing the institutionalized boundaries patients face daily and applying this knowledge in the community.

Continuing Education credits are being applied for from the American Psychological Association and the Ohio Supreme Court (CLE). AMA credits are being sought as well. The cost of the conference is nominal to cover the costs. It is $25 per session or $65 for all three sessions. There is a discounted student rate ($10 per session).

To register: go to CONCEPT:  https://concept.paloaltou.edu/systemic-inequities-conference/