Financially Sustaining Behavioral Health-Criminal Justice Programs

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Financially Sustaining Behavioral Health-Criminal Justice Programs

For jurisdictions implementing behavioral health-criminal justice programs to help minimize justice involvement among people with mental illnesses and substance use disorders, the ongoing costs can present challenges to long-term operation. This brief outlines key strategies and tips to financially sustaining such programs so that they are built for longevity. Photo by Anna Earl on Unsplash.

Demetrius Thomas | February 2021 | The Council of State Governments Justice Center

Financially Sustaining Behavioral Health-Criminal Justice Programs

Project Credits

Writing: Demetrius Thomas, CSG Justice Center

Research: Demetrius Thomas, CSG Justice Center

Editing: Darby Baham, Emily Morgan, CSG Justice Center

Design: Michael Bierman

Public Affairs: Ruvi Lopez, CSG Justice Center

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Demetrius Thomas

Former Deputy Program Director, Behavioral Health

Demetrius Thomas oversaw training and technical assistance for the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, he worked at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene developing and managing programs aimed

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at reducing criminal justice involvement among people with mental or behavioral health needs. There, he led the agency’s work in establishing New York City’s first-ever diversion centers and co-response teams. He has advocated, litigated, and legislated on a range of issues at the intersection of criminal justice and public health. Demetrius earned a BA with a dual concentration in international and U.S. politics from Columbia University and a JD from the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law.