Legislation, Policies and System Navigation
| Course Code | AMHW-200 |
|---|---|
| Lecture hours per week | 2 |
| Lab hours per week | |
| Course Availability | Open |
| Description | The course will provide an overview of some policies, social issues and its impacts on people who use substances and/or experience barriers with their mental health. Learners explore the Canadian social welfare system and its colonial history in order to understand its governance in today’s field. Learners will also engage in learning and critique of current social issues as it pertains to policies and political parties. The course will focus on the impacts of colonization and oppression of FNMI (First Nations, Metis and Inuit) people. Learners will discuss social policies paying particular attention to stigmatization of people who use substances and have mental health issues, as well as access to appropriate care and treatment resources/supports. Learners will explore national and provincial policy development focusing on drug policy, mental health reform, and the implications of Canada's and Ontario's Addiction and Mental Health Strategies and enforcement (criminal justice system) responses, within the context of political processes and social and economic forces. This course will provide a knowledge base for developing and implementing system level interventions and advocacy in the addiction and mental health field. |