Ensuring Timely Access to Medicaid and SSI/SSDI for People with Mental Illness Released from Prison: Four Case Studies
This fact sheet from the Council of State Governments Criminal Justice/Mental Health Consensus Project, in conjunction with the Re-Entry Policy Council, provides an analysis of case studies from four states, identifying common elements of success, highlights from each state, and continuing challenges to state efforts.
Among people in prison with mental illnesses, many are enrolled in (or are eligible for) Supplemental Security Income/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSI/SSDI) and Medicaid to support their medical treatment prior to incarceration, but few are enrolled in these federal benefit or entitlement programs upon release. As a result, their access to medications and treatment—elements typically essential to compliance with conditions of release for people with mental illness—is severely limited, presenting a significant obstacle to their successful transition back to the community.
"AOT is a complex community intervention that can be effective or not depending on how it is implemented.…
Read More
8 states gathered to discuss workforce solutions for formerly incarcerated people.
Read More
"It is the humane, person-centered approach that supports and stabilizes individuals, their families, and their communities."
Read More
Involuntary Treatment for Patients in the Justice System: Q&A with Dr. Marvin Swartz
"AOT is a complex community intervention that can be effective or not depending on how it is implemented. The question about its effectiveness is better phrased as: for whom and under what conditions can AOT be effective?"
Read More
Reentry 2030 States Explore Day 1 Employment Readiness After Incarceration
8 states gathered to discuss workforce solutions for formerly incarcerated people.
Read More
Local Criminal Justice System Innovations in Mental Health Services: Q&A with CSG Justice Center Advisory Board Member Dr. Doreen Williams
"It is the humane, person-centered approach that supports and stabilizes individuals, their families, and their communities."
Read More
2025 Nominations Now Open for Judges and Psychiatrists Improving Lives and Behavioral Health
The Judge Stephen S. Goss Memorial Award for Leadership has expanded to include Lifetime Achievement Awards and, in 2024, the first-ever Team Collaboration Award.
Read More
Senate Passes Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025
On October 9, 2025, the Senate passed the Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025 (S. 1843), which would continue critical recidivism-reduction and reentry services nationwide.
Read More
CSG Justice Center Launches First-of-Its-Kind Statewide Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) Technical Assistance Center
The CSG Justice Center has partnered with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and CIT International to launch a first-of-its-kind statewide Technical Assistance (TA) Center.
Read More