In 2023, 10 communities from across the U.S. were selected to join the Criminal Justice-Mental Health Learning Sites Program for their innovative practices for improving outcomes for people with behavioral health needs in the criminal justice system. Through peer-to-peer mentoring, these programs are driving meaningful change with interventions spanning the criminal justice system, including court-based, jail-based, reentry, and probation models. This month, we are excited to unveil a new website that provides detailed profiles on each of the learning sites. The website serves as a resource hub, showcasing the achievements of each program and ways to connect with them to learn about innovative behavioral health practices within the criminal justice system.

On June 5, a bipartisan group of senators introduced the Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2024 (S.4477), which would reauthorize critical reentry programs, including services for housing, career training, and treatment for substance use disorders and mental illness. Over the last 15 years, the Second Chance Act awarded grants totaling more than $600 million to state, local, and Tribal governments to assist reentry services. If reauthorized, the bill will provide vital support for communities across the country in their efforts to reduce recidivism. 

Against a background of alarmingly high recidivism and violent crime rates, in 2023 Arkansas state leaders launched a new Justice Reinvestment effort under the leadership of the state’s Legislative Recidivism Reduction Task Force and with support from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), which is a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs. The project aims to assist state leaders in answering questions related to what factors and behaviors are behind the state’s high rate of recidivism, as well as what the fiscal, human, and systemic costs are of so many people in Arkansas cycling in and out of the criminal justice system. 

Explore our latest publication that provides insights into successful strategies and innovative programs that help strengthen families affected by incarceration. This brief discusses examples of evidence-based and promising programs and practices from the field that support different needs of parents who are incarcerated, their children, and their families. It includes actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners. 

Hallie Fader-Towe, a 15-year veteran of the CSG Justice Center, has been selected as the new director of justice and health initiatives, leading the organization’s behavioral health programs. Hallie has served as interim division director for over a year, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of policy and practice at the intersection of justice, behavioral health, and housing, which will guide her team and the organization through a critical time for criminal justice reform. The entire CSG Justice Center team extends a big congratulations to Hallie!

Celebrating Stepping Up’s ninth anniversary, this webinar will reflect on the initiative’s progress in addressing the overincarceration of people with mental illness and improving connections to treatment and services in counties across the country. Partners will preview what lies ahead for the initiative so counties can continue advancing their goals for improved justice system and behavioral health outcomes regardless of where they are in their Stepping Up efforts. Click here to register.

June 27, 2024

12:00–1:30 p.m. ET

This webinar will explore the benefits of collaborative relationships between law enforcement agencies and various community partners, with a presentation from the New Jersey Transit Police Department. Learn how collaboration can improve crisis services and improve outcomes. Register today!

June 27, 2024 

1:30–3:00 p.m. ET

Interested in learning more about the work of the CSG Justice Center? Check out our other newsletters and subscribe to gain access to resources and up-to-date information.