Florida Guardian ad Litem Academy

Attorney conference calls provide up-to-date information on topics related to legal advocacy. These trainings are conducted by both Program staff and experts from outside the Florida Guardian ad Litem Program. Unless otherwise noted, each hour long presentation has been approved for CLE credit which is good for 18 months from the Conference Date.

Training:  Florida's Behavioral Health System Overview

This course provides a high level overview of Florida's behavioral health system, to include the array of mental health and substance abuse services and supports for children, adolescents and adults. Links to many resources are provided.

Guest Speaker:  Laurie Blades, M.A., CPM, Director of Children’s Behavioral Health Advocacy, Statewide Guardian ad Litem Program

Ms. Blades received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor is Special education and a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Central Florida. She is a Certified Public Manager and has worked in the human services field in both the private and public sectors in the areas of children’s mental health, juvenile justice, special education and child welfare for more than twenty-five years. She has provided direct services to children and youth with mental health and behavioral conditions as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and mental health counselor. In addition, she served as the Chief of Children’s Mental Health and recently as the Deputy Director of Substance Abuse and Mental Health for the Florida Department of Children and Families. She has served on many interagency councils and boards related to children’s mental health and has comprehensive knowledge of Florida’s system of care serving children, youth and their families.

Original Attorney Conference Call Date: January 18, 2019

1 CLE Credit Avialable

1/18/19-7/31/20

1 In-Service Hour Available

Select "Legal Issues" for Optima.