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.
Apply to participate in a virtual learning collaborative consisting of three sessions about how to improve criminal case…
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The Judges and Psychiatrists Leadership Initiative outlines their next steps to advance equitable health and justice outcomes.
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Apply for short-term, free support to better understand how people with mental illnesses move through your local criminal…
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Court Case Processing Learning Collaborative: Improving Caseflow Management for Defendants with Behavioral Health Needs
Apply to participate in a virtual learning collaborative consisting of three sessions about how to improve criminal case processing for defendants with behavioral health needs.
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A Shared Commitment to Equitable Outcomes in Justice and Health
The Judges and Psychiatrists Leadership Initiative outlines their next steps to advance equitable health and justice outcomes.
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Apply Now for Short-Term, Free Support
Apply for short-term, free support to better understand how people with mental illnesses move through your local criminal justice system.
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States Taking Action: Law Enforcement
A quick look at legislative efforts in states on law enforcement-related issues.
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Explainer: The Significance of Vermont’s Justice Reinvestment Legislation
Vermont Governor Phil Scott recently signed a bipartisan criminal justice bill designed to reduce recidivism and dissect racial disparities in the state’s prisons.
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House Appropriations Committee Approves '21 Funding for DOJ Programs
The funding includes continued investment in key programs, including Justice Reinvestment and the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program.
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