Implications of The Affordable Care Act on People Involved with the Criminal Justice System
Individuals involved with the criminal justice system face high rates of communicable and chronic diseases, mental illness, and substance use disorders. However, criminal justice practitioners often have difficulty connecting this largely low-income and uninsured population to the health services they need. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), signed into law in March 2010, offers new opportunities for these individuals to obtain health care services previously unavailable to them. Produced by The Council of State Governments Justice Center, this brief provides an overview of the implications of the ACA for adults involved with the criminal justice system, as well as information about how professionals in the criminal justice field can help this population access health care services.
Corrections leaders balance the complex priorities of maintaining public safety, operating secure facilities, providing needed care and services…
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The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center has launched the Collaborating for Youth and Public Safety Initiative…
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Every day, public safety depends on thousands of state and local leaders who work across agencies,…
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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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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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Amid Federal Funding Cuts, Here’s How the CSG Justice Center Can Help You Advance Safety and Justice
Every day, public safety depends on thousands of state and…
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Explainer: How a New Law in Arkansas Tackles Crime, Recidivism, and Community Supervision Challenges
In April 2025, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a package of bipartisan criminal justice legislation into law, which is designed to increase public safety and improve community supervision. The legislation passed nearly unanimously.
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Bipartisan Group of 88 Lawmakers Push for Continued Funding for Reentry and Recidivism Programs
A bipartisan group of 88 lawmakers, led by Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV) and Danny Davis (D-IL), wrote a letter calling for continued funding for the Second Chance Act in the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bill.
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Explainer: North Dakota’s New Youth Fitness-to-Proceed Law
Last month, North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong signed a landmark bill to change how courts handle cases involving youth with mental health concerns or who lack the developmental maturity to understand the court process.
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