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 (IDA) 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.

The Capacity Building Institute (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 (ODP) and Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) to facilitate a more effective delivery of services across systems.

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

The Capacity Building Institute will meet for nine, two-day sessions beginning September 2026 and ending in May 2027. Four sessions will be live, in-person and five will be live, virtual on Zoom. Tuition is $300. Hotel reservations are your responsibility for live sessions. To apply for the CBI, please complete the CBI Year 10 Interest Survey to express interest and confirm your ability to attend all sessions. Applications are due by 7/10/2026.

Please review the attached flyer for additional information on purpose, meeting dates and times, and training topics.