The goal of this presentation is to introduce a new “Cultural Competency Training/Manual (CCTP) for Law and Mental Health professionals Working with persons involved with law and mental health” sponsored by a grant from the Law Foundation of Ontario and department of psychiatry of Mount Sinai Hospital.

The manual is qualitative which includes conducting a literature review, facilitation of multi-stakeholder focus groups, and interviewed key stakeholders, consultation with clinical staff from the Mount Sinai Hospital and other Court Support programs, to address the key challenges in working with culturally diverse persons involved with law and mental health. In the oral presentation, we will present key themes on the challenges in dealing with culturally-diverse persons involved in law and mental health. The themes were consistent with the literature, evidence-based research, and validated by actual provider experience. They include language and communication, mistrust of mainstream services, racism and discrimination, resistance from persons involved with law and mental health and their families, and the need for cultural competency practices, such as interpretation, cultural understanding, community and systemic support. With these themes in mind, we will demonstrate the application of practical skills and cultural competencies using vignettes. A cultural competency model of working with culturally diverse persons involved in law and mental health and the five key responsibilities will be introduced. They include the following domains: language and communication, system support and navigation, education and advocacy, and collaboration.