Roseland, NJ, Dec 4, 2006 -  Dr. Ralph Fretz, Director of Assessment and Research at Community Education Centers (CEC), will participate in a panel discussion sponsored by the New Jersey State Parole Board at Kean University on Friday, December 8^th, 2006. The discussion, “Mental Illness, Addiction, and Recovery in Offenders,” will draw together New Jersey’s leading experts to discuss approaches to treating offenders with both mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders.

”I look forward to participating in this important panel discussion focused on mentally ill offenders and addiction. CEC’s vast experience treating offenders with mental illnesses and also co-occurring disorders makes our company a leader in the field,” said Dr. Fretz.

CEC uses a multi-disciplinary approach to treat individuals with co-occurring disorders. Staff are cross-trained to treat both substance abuse and mental illness. As part of CEC's comprehensive treatment services, we provide appropriate medication monitoring and behavioral health services to the mentally ill offender population.

In addition, CEC has found that the treatment of offenders with serious mental health problems differs from the treatment afforded to those with only alcohol and other substance abuse disorders. CEC recognizes the unique needs of this population and has developed a comprehensive treatment program for offenders with mental health problems.

CEC provides mentally ill offenders with a continuum of care treatment program, which is administered by a diverse group of service professionals, as well as linkages to aftercare in the community. Only through a continuum of care can mentally ill offenders increase their chances of living independently, thereby preventing their return to the criminal justice system, to mental hospitals, or to homelessness.