Rethinking Competency to Stand Trial: A Complicated Road to Mental Health Treatment
The competency to stand trial process is designed to protect the rights of people who do not understand the charges against them and are unable to assist in their own defense. But this process has become overburdened and delayed, causing people to languish in jail while states contend with the high associated costs.
We spoke with legal and mental health experts about why this issue is so important at a time when mental health needs are climbing among Americans and state finances are significantly strained. Watch the video below, and dig deeper by checking out our recent report Just and Well: Rethinking How States Approach Competency to Stand Trial.
On May 30, 2025, the White House released the budget request for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.
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This May, the state of Washington passed legislation supporting the expansion of alternative response teams (sometimes called community…
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The CSG Justice Center Advisory Board establishes the policy and project priorities of the organization. The board features…
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President’s FY26 Budget Maintains Funding for Key Justice and Behavioral Health Programs Amid Proposed Structural Changes
On May 30, 2025, the White House released the budget request for…
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Developing a Common Definition for Community Responder Programs
This May, the state of Washington passed legislation supporting the expansion of…
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Finding Solutions to Complex Criminal Justice Issues: Q&A with New CSG Justice Center Advisory Board Member Justice Briana Zamora
The CSG Justice Center Advisory Board establishes the policy and project priorities…
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From Courtroom to Care: 5 Key Strategies Behind New Mexico’s Competency Diversion Pilot
New Mexico launched a pilot program in 2024 to divert people with…
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The 10-Year Impact—and Future—of Stepping Up: Facing the Behavioral Health Crisis in Jails and Communities with Real Solutions
As the Stepping Up initiative marks its 10th year, America’s justice and…
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Breaking Down Barriers: Reentry 2030 States Meet to Tackle Employment-Related Collateral Consequences
On June 26, the CSG Justice Center convened state leaders in workforce…
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