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Events Calendar

27th September 2023

Webinar: Finding the Right Fit - Supported Decision Making as a Less Restrictive Option

September 27th, 2023

In this webinar attendees will learn about the benefits of using Supported Decision Making (SDM) as an alternative to guardianship.

In this interview, we’ll talk with Johnathan Gardner, who has lived experience with SDM and is the co-chair of the Massachusetts SDM Coalition, and Morgan K. Whitlatch, the Director of SDM Initiatives at the D.C. office of the Center for Public Representation. We will discuss the importance of less restrictive alternatives to guardianship and how SDM can be practically applied to help people make their own decisions.  We will also talk about how SDM can be used by courts as an alternative to guardianship even if no SDM law exists in their state.

Moderators:

  • Angela Sager, Senior Court Management Consultant, Court Consulting Services, National  Center for State Courts
  • Diane Robinson, Principal Court Research Associate, National Center for State Courts

Speakers:

  • Johnathan Gardner, Massachusetts Developmental Disability Council member and co-chair of the Massachusetts Supported Decision-Making Coalition who has lived experience with SDM
  • Morgan K. Whitlatch, Director of Supported Decision-Making Initiatives, Center for Public Representation, Washington, D.C.

Register today.

For more information, email Angela Sager.

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Webinar: Navigating the Bipartisan Safer Community Act (BSCA)

September 27th, 2023

The Bipartisan Safer Community Act (BSCA) became law in June 2022 with the aim of preventing firearms from getting into the hands of individuals who pose a potential threat to themselves or others.

One aspect of the BSCA focuses on individuals aged 18 to 20 who might be restricted from purchasing firearms if they have disqualifying juvenile adjudications or mental health records. The FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) collaborates with state and local authorities to enforce this provision.

We invite state courts to join us for an insightful webinar to hear from the FBI about their processes for accessing juvenile data for NICS and from SEARCH on how to access technical assistance.

Presenters:

  • David A. Fazzini, Legal Administrative Specialist, FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Section – Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division
  • Joann Garrison, Liaison Specialist, FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Section – Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division
  • Becki R. Goggins, Law and Policy Program Director, SEARCH - The National Consortium for Justice Information and Statistics

Register today.

For more information email Rachel Buck.

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