Leonard Swanson
Crisis Policy Manager, Center for Behavioral Health and Justice
Expert in mobile crisis, co-response, crisis intervention teams, post-overdose response models, and the Sequential Intercept Model Practices Leadership and Expertise (SIMPLE) Scorecard
Leonard Swanson
Biography
Leonard joined the CBHJ team in February 2017 while completing his MSW at Wayne State University. His interest in macro social work led him to the confluence of broken mental health and criminal justice systems, which became too convoluted and captivating to ignore. His contributions to the work of the CBHJ include the development of the SIMPLE Scorecard (Sequential Intercept Model Practices, Leadership, and Expertise) to assess behavioral health and justice systems and the creation of the PROACT model (Proactive Response to Overdose and Appropriate Connections to Treatment) in collaboration with emergency medical services and behavioral health agencies to facilitate post-overdose response programs across Michigan. Leonard has presented his work at the Society for Social Work Research, the CIT International Conference, and various local Michigan behavioral health and justice conferences.
Responsibilities
Leonard serves as manager for the crisis policy initiative at the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice. He leads grants and projects focused on crisis reimbursement structures, crisis program model fidelity, and system-level performance metrics.
Degrees and Certifications
- MSW, Wayne State University
- BA, Religious Studies, University of Oregon
Awards and Honors
- 2023 Crisis Intervention Teams International Researcher of the Year
Publications
Swanson, L., Nelson, V., Comartin, E.B. et al. (2023). Assessing County-Level Behavioral Health and Justice Systems with the Sequential Intercept Model Practices, Leadership, and Expertise Scorecard. Community Ment Health J 59, 578–594. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-022-01042-5
APCO International. (2021). Crisis Intervention Techniques And Call Handling Procedures for Public Safety Telecommunicators.
Wilson, M., Wilson, A., Swanson, L. S. (2021). The Role of Social Work in Emergency Crisis Response Models. National Association of Social Workers Michigan Chapter, Center for Behavioral Health and Justice at the Wayne State School of Social Work.
Kubiak S, Comartin EB, Hanna J, Swanson L. (2020). Identification, Referral, and Services for Individuals With Serious Mental Illness Across Multiple Jails. J Correct Health Care. 2020;26(2):168-182. doi:10.1177/1078345820920703
Comartin, E. B., Swanson, L., & Kubiak, S. (2019). Mental health crisis location and police transportation decision: the impact of crisis intervention team training on crisis center utilization. Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice, 35(2), 241-260.