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.
Governors emphasized a wide range of criminal justice and behavioral health initiatives in this year’s state-of-the-state addresses. From…
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Corrections leaders balance the complex priorities of maintaining public safety, operating secure facilities, providing needed care and services…
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The CSG Justice Center is pleased to announce 5 new members of its advisory board. Hailing from states…
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State of the States: Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health Priorities in 2025
Governors emphasized a wide range of criminal justice and behavioral health initiatives in this year’s state-of-the-state addresses. From Alaska to Washington, governors across the U.S. highlighted significant progress in reducing crime rates, combating the opioid crisis, and expanding mental health services. They also noted areas for improvement, some of which will be legislative priorities in 2025.
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Apply Now for Resident Analyst Program to Increase Data Analysis Capacity at Departments of Corrections
Corrections leaders balance the complex priorities of maintaining public safety, operating secure facilities, providing needed care and services to the incarcerated population, and coordinating with other agencies.
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Five New CSG Justice Center Board Members Look to Strengthen Communities and Improve Public Safety
The CSG Justice Center is pleased to announce 5 new members of its advisory board. Hailing from states across the country and representing multiple professions, they are all eager to join the 17 current members in establishing the policy and project priorities for the organization.
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Removing Barriers to Successful Reentry: Q&A with New CSG Justice Center Advisory Board Member Dr. Ronald F. Day
The CSG Justice Center Advisory Board establishes the policy and project priorities of the organization. The board features a cross-section of leaders who shape criminal justice policy in various parts of the country.
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Transforming Lives with Access to Needed Mental Health Care: Q&A with New CSG Justice Center Advisory Board Member Dr. Courtney Harvey
The CSG Justice Center Advisory Board establishes the policy and project priorities of the organization. The board features a cross-section of leaders who shape criminal justice policy in various parts of the country.
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Six States Commit to Improving Statewide Strategies to Address Youth Crime, Violence and Behavioral Health
The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center has launched the Collaborating for Youth and Public Safety Initiative (CYPSI) in partnership with six states: California, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Rhode Island. The initiative will help states develop, fund, and effectively implement a research-based service continuum to improve public safety and behavioral health, education, and other outcomes for youth.
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