School absences have risen dramatically across the country since the start of the pandemic. As a part of our juvenile justice reform work, the CSG Justice Center is highlighting how school systems can tackle issues like chronic absenteeism without relying on law enforcement. Many states turn to the court system as a last resort, as the CSG Justice Center's Deputy Division Director Nina Salomon notes in this NPR feature, but it's critical that jurisdictions develop statewide prevention services and supports for youth to address underlying behavioral health and other issues. Learn more about the efforts to help youth lead safe and healthy lives.

Last week, the CSG Justice Center's Sean Justice and Ernie Stevens presented at the Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association Annual Conference. Their presentation discussed the Connect and Protect: Law Enforcement Behavioral Health Response Program, funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Since 2021, this initiative has fostered collaboration between law enforcement and behavioral health agencies in small, rural communities, improving crisis responses for those with mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders. Sean and Ernie demonstrated how the program reduces unnecessary law enforcement encounters and ensures individuals receive needed support.

Are you involved in finding housing solutions for people reentering their communities? The Zero Returns to Homelessness initiative addresses post-incarceration homelessness through innovative reentry housing strategies and collaboration. Applications are now open for the first cohort of state teams, who will receive extensive technical assistance to develop sustainable reentry housing plans and expand housing availability. Don't miss this opportunity to make a real impact! 

In October 2020, Bexar County, TX, took a groundbreaking step in mental health crisis intervention by creating the Specialized Multidisciplinary Alternate Response Team (SMART). This team, composed of law enforcement officers, social workers, and paramedics, provides immediate, compassionate care to people in crisis. Using interviews and on-the-ground footage, our latest video shows how SMART is changing the way police departments approach mental health response, emphasizing empathy, de-escalation, and personalized care. 

In 2021, 29 percent of high school students reported that their “mental health was most of the time or always not good,” including over 40 percent of girls. This data demonstrates why it is imperative policymakers invest in prevention and behavioral health services as core public safety strategies to address juvenile justice reform. Discover more about youth mental health and the juvenile justice system via the CSG Justice Center’s new youth justice data dashboard.

The Stepping Up initiative is holding listening sessions to gather feedback from counties as part of a strategic planning process. We invite you to play a role in shaping the future of Stepping Up by joining a listening session and sharing information about the types of support and resources that advance your county's efforts to address the needs of people at the intersection of behavioral health and criminal justice. If you need assistance, please contact Orleny Rojas at orojas@cepp.com.   

August 20, 2024 

3:00–4:30 p.m. ET

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