On this page, you will find information and resources to inform policy and financial models that could strengthen emerging and evidence-based practices to support individuals with I/DD, brain injuries, or other cognitive disabilities and a mental health condition. Policies and the services they fund often vary depending on which system directs them. Agency personnel can learn how to coordinate systems better, and individuals and supporters can learn how to advocate for the services they need.
- Placemat for Supporting High-Quality Transitions Between Hospital and Home for Alternate Level of Care Patients with a Dual Diagnosis— Document that shows how to apply quality standards in supporting alternate level of care for patients with a dual diagnosis transitioning out of a hospital setting (Ontario Health, 2024)
- The Intersection of Deflection, Traumatic Brain Injuries, and Substance Use Disorders Podcast Series, Episode 1: Connecting Brain Injury, Substance Use, and the Criminal Justice System— Podcast (45:25) discussing intersection of brain injury, substance use, and the criminal justice system, focusing on the prevalence of brain injury in these populations and how the justice system and community can support affected individuals (Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program, 2024)
- Improving the Lives of Children Youth, and Young Adults with Complex Needs and Their Families— Report outlining ways to improve the system to better serve children with complex needs and their families in getting the care and support they need (Pennsylvania Blueprint Workgroup for Youth with Complex Needs, 2022)
- Policy and Advocacy Fact Sheet— Fact sheet that describes what policy and advocacy are, why they are important, and how to engage in advocacy activities (Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities National Training Center and ACL, 2020)
- Supporting Persons With Co-Occurring I/DD and Behavioral Health Needs: Spotlight on Partners Health Plan New York— Article that demonstrates the importance of integrating mental health, substance use, and primary care services as an effective approach for supporting people with complex behavioral and physical health care needs (Resources for Integrated Care: Resources for Plans and Providers for Medicare-Medicaid Integration, 2019)
- HCBS Settings Rule— Document created by and for self-advocates that explains the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver guidelines in clear language, emphasizing the importance of choice and control over one’s own life (Green Mountain Self-Advocates, 2023)
- Measuring Systems Change: A Brief Guide — Guide intended as a resource for those overseeing ACL-funded programs and applicable to those interested in measuring and operationalizing systems change (ACL, 2021)
- National Needs Assessment: Mental Health Services for People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities— Assessment of gaps and needs in the U.S., particularly to inform training to increase capacity in the workforce (University of Alaska Anchorage Center for Human Development, 2020)
- TA Coalition Webinar: The Pivotal Role of Medicaid in Enhancing State Services for Individuals With Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities & Co-Occurring Behavioral Health Disorders— Presentation that showcases North Carolina’s efforts in developing ways to support broad interagency collaboration, as a model for other states (National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, 2017)
- Evaluation of Health Care Disparities for Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Ohio— Study that examines acute and long-term services and supports (LTSS) utilization, cost of health care, and disparities in access to care for individuals with I/DD (Amin, Gentile, Edwards, and Davis, 2021)
- NASDDDS Technical Report: Survey on State Strategies for Supporting Individuals With Co-existing Conditions— Paper that highlights a multi-part study of state strategies for supporting individuals with co-occurring developmental disabilities and mental health or behavioral conditions (NASDDDS, 2004)
Books & Materials Requiring Purchase
- Breaking Down Silos Innovation in Dual Diagnosis Systems (Brandi Braud Kelly, PhD, 2016)
- Mental Health Approaches to Intellectual/Developmental Disability: A Resource for Trainers 2nd Edition (Fletcher et al., 2022)