AUDIENCE

The Capacity Building Institute (CBI), offered by the Office of Developmental Programs and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, provides an in-depth learning opportunity to professionals across the entire service partnership including direct support staff and supervisors, supports coordinators/case managers and supervisors, agency trainers, managed care organizations, behavior specialists, psychiatrists, professional counselors and therapists, and dual diagnosis treatment teams. CBI participants represent a wide range of agencies including Direct Support Providers, Supports Coordination, State Hospitals, State Centers, Adolescent Residential Treatment Facilities, Autism Supports, Education, Resources and Training Centers, Administrative Entities, and the Health Care Quality Units.

PURPOSE

Many people feel at a loss as to how to best provide support to individuals with a dual diagnosis (individuals with an Intellectual Disability and Autism with co-occurring mental health issues, and challenging behaviors) to lead healthy, happy, and meaningful lives.

Current best practices and supportive models that have shown to be most helpful are sometimes beyond the reach of people who work directly with individuals with a dual diagnosis. CBI addresses these issues from an individual and systemic level through training, integration of knowledge into practice, and opportunities to build a statewide cohort to work together to effect change and build capacity. The participants will share individual best practice experiences leading to recommendations to the Office of Developmental Programs and Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to facilitate a more effective delivery of services across systems.

LOGISTICS

The Capacity Building Institute will meet for nine, two-day sessions beginning September2024and endingin April2025.Foursessionswillbelive,in-person in State Collegeandfivewillbelive,virtual on Zoom.There is no option to attend virtually when the session is live, in-person.

The cost to participate in the Capacity Building Institute is $540, which must be paid prior to the first CBI session in September. As a part of your paid tuition, coffee and a breakfast snack each morning, lunch, and an afternoon coffee break with snacks will be provided. Dinner will be on your own.

EXPRESSING INTEREST/APPLICATION PROCESS

Each person must complete the CBI Year 8 Interest Survey  by 6/7/24 to express interest and confirm their ability to attend all sessions. There are a limited number of spaces available for participants. Applicants will be notified through email in late June as to their admission status.

To watch a video to hear about the CBI experience from a former participant – click here.

For more information, contact Marlinda Smith (marlsmith@pa.gov).