In Denver, a promising partnership between law enforcement and behavioral health professionals is forging a new path in crisis intervention. In this video, Denver Police Department Chief Ron Thomas and Chris Richardson (formerly of WellPower) reflect on the joint mission to improve behavioral health responses and care access. Denver's co-responder program, including the innovative STAR unit, exemplifies the city’s commitment to empathetic approaches for people experiencing behavioral health challenges, redefining community support and safety.

Our latest news and analysis post showcases how three communities are collaboratively addressing the critical housing needs of people with behavioral health needs leaving incarceration. Amidst a national housing shortage, these communities are implementing innovative solutions that arose from a Community of Practice and webinar series facilitated by the CSG Justice Center and Corporation for Supportive Housing, including cross-agency governance, funding alignment, and barrier reduction. This post offers a glimpse into the strategic measures and ongoing initiatives these communities are undertaking to ensure housing access while prioritizing racial equity and systemic reforms.

Last month, Dr. Brooke Wheeler, superintendent of Correctional Education Services, spoke about the power of education in prisons at the Joint Reentry council meeting in North Carolina. These programs have led to a significant reduction in recidivism rates. The council, established by Governor Roy Cooper under Executive Order 303 in January 2024, focuses on coordinating state efforts to improve rehabilitation and reentry for people exiting incarceration. Continue the conversation beyond Second Chance Month on how states can further reduce recidivism through education and support for people returning home from jail or prison at the next council meeting on May 16.  

This op-ed by the CSG Justice Center’s Ernie Stevens, featured in the December 2023 issue of American Police Beat Magazine, highlights the transformative potential of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for policing in the U.S. Stevens discusses how the lifeline, in operation since July 2022, shifts some responsibilities from police to trained crisis responders, particularly in mental health situations. This approach could refocus law enforcement on more critical incidents and lessen their involvement in mental health crises, emphasizing the need for collaboration between law enforcement and behavioral health professionals.

This webinar will discuss the Virginia Department of Corrections' innovative Community Corrections Mental Health Program and explore the establishment of mental health positions within probation and parole districts, the collaboration between mental health clinicians and probation officers, and lessons learned since its inception in 2017.

May 30, 2024

2:00–3:30 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.