County Justice and Behavioral Health Systems Improvement Project

program

County Justice and Behavioral Health Systems Improvement Project

March 13, 2013

The County Justice and Behavioral Health Systems Improvement Project is a national initiative that uses qualitative and quantitative research to improve outcomes for people with mental illnesses in county criminal justice systems throughout the country. The project helps to bring concepts from the CSG Justice Center’s Criminogenic Risk and Behavioral Health Needs Framework to local criminal justice systems that want to improve their responses to individuals with mental health needs, many of whom also have a co-occurring substance use disorder.

On March 15, 2013, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) hosted leaders from the fields of criminal justice and behavioral health from 70 nonprofit, association, and advocacy organizations. The summit highlighted the substantial progress in improving outcomes for individuals with mental illnesses in the criminal justice system.

To position counties for consideration as demonstration sites, county leadership should provide the CSG Justice Center with:

  • Written support for the project and for collecting and analyzing criminal justice and behavioral health data from county agencies
  • Evidence that the appropriate data is available to develop an indicator of behavioral needs for individuals in the criminal justice system
  • Commitment to assist with convening, and participation in, county leadership team meetings

Current Demonstration Sites

Bexar County (San Antonio, TX)

Hillsborough County (Manchester, NH)

New York County (New York, NY)

Dauphin County (Harrisburg, PA)

Franklin County (Columbus, OH)

Johnson County (Olathe, KS)

Salt Lake County (Salt Lake City, UT)

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