Improving Responses to People with Mental Illnesses: The Essential Elements of Specialized Probation Initiatives

In response to growing calls for police reform in New Jersey, particularly following the shootings of Najee Seabrooks and Andrew Washington in March and August 2023, a coalition of law enforcement officials, mental health professionals, and community advocates partnered to explore public safety response alternatives.

A positive school experience, where a child feels secure, is essential for their well-being. However, for many children with incarcerated parents—one in 14 in the U.S.—school can feel far from safe due to stigma, trauma, and a lack of understanding.

When returning to their communities from criminal justice settings, people with behavioral health needs face barriers in accessing basic needs—including food, housing, employment, transportation, education, clothing, and substance use and mental health services—which increases their risk of experiencing a crisis.