Center for Behavioral Health and Justice

Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a day signifying the true end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865. It's a time to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of the Black community, celebrate freedom and commit to ongoing efforts toward equality and justice. Let’s honor this day by educating ourselves and advocating for a more equitable society.

Join us on Friday, June 26, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET for The Clubhouse Model: Exploring Community-Based Recovery for Individuals on AOT.

This free virtual Community of Practice will explore how Clubhouses can support recovery and complement Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) services.

Bradley Cucuro, LMSW, of Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network will share insights on the Clubhouse model, research on Clubhouse outcomes, and opportunities for collaboration between Clubhouses and AOT teams to support continuity of care and community-based recovery.

These monthly sessions bring together practitioners from across Michigan to learn, problem solve, and discuss AOT-related opportunities and challenges.

We'll also leave plenty of time for discussion and an interactive Q&A.

Register today: https://bit.ly/3QCakkD

CBHJ team members recently attended the Advancing the Field of Alternative Response 2026 Convening alongside practitioners, policymakers, and researchers from across the country.

The convening centered on strengthening alternative response systems nationwide, including 911/988 call diversion, the evolving role of crisis responders, and building sustainable partnerships with local governments to support community-based care.

Brittney Davis, Haley Hicks, Alexandria Hughes, and Kevin Papuga were among the CBHJ team members who attended the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan/Michigan Justice Fund's 2026 Partner Day.

"Partner Day was a remarkable opportunity for us to come together and discuss the challenges we face within our organizations, as well as those stemming from the current political landscape," said Hughes. "I was genuinely inspired by hearing about the impactful work being carried out at each organization in attendance and the remarkable growth each has achieved."

We're proud to be part of a coalition working to create a stronger, more community-centered youth justice system in Michigan.

The CBHJ, Michigan Center for Youth Justice, and The Delta Project are partnering on a statewide initiative that has been selected as one of only two organizations nationwide to receive a $1 million IGNITING FUTURES grant from the Public Welfare Foundation.

This investment will help expand diversion opportunities, strengthen community-based supports, and improve outcomes for young people and families across Michigan. We're honored to help advance this important work and build a future where youth have access to the care and support they need to thrive.

Read more about this new initiative here: https://www.publicwelfare.org/igniting-futures-2026/

Looking for an opportunity to apply your skills beyond the classroom? We're hiring two part-time student assistants for the 2026–2027 academic year.

At the CBHJ, student assistants play an active role in supporting public health and behavioral health initiatives, helping manage project resources and ensuring materials reach communities that need them. Gain real-world experience while working alongside professionals dedicated to systems change and community impact.

Learn more and apply here: https://waynetalent.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/2/home/requisition/3301?c=waynetalent

Define the terms, not the person. Effective communication is shared work, and stronger mental health literacy can help make conversations clearer, more accessible, and more productive.

Today’s term is “empowerment,” which is the process of gaining confidence, knowledge, skills, and support to make informed decisions, advocate for personal needs, and take an active role in one’s own life and mental health care.

Visit the AOT toolkit to learn more about assisted outpatient treatment. https://behaviorhealthjustice.wayne.edu/aot

Clear, informed language can make a meaningful difference in how we understand and support others. Define the terms, not the person.

Today’s term is “protective factors,” the conditions, relationships, skills, or supports that help reduce risk and promote mental health, resilience, safety, and overall wellbeing.

Follow along throughout the month as we continue building a shared language. Learn more in the AOT toolkit: https://behaviorhealthjustice.wayne.edu/aot

When we strengthen our understanding of mental health language, we create more productive and respectful conversations. Define the terms, not the person.

Today’s term is “insight,” defined as a person’s ability to recognize, understand, and reflect on their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, or mental health experiences, which can support communication, treatment, and decision-making.

Learn more here: https://behaviorhealthjustice.wayne.edu/aot