Reducing Homelessness for People with Behavioral Health Needs Leaving Prisons and Jails

Recommendations to California's Council on Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health

Reducing Homelessness for People with Behavioral Health Needs Leaving Prisons and Jails

Homelessness is a longstanding problem in California, as it is in much of the U.S. While homelessness has many root causes, including an overall lack of affordable housing and lack of coordination between social service systems, incarceration is a major risk factor. This report highlights 5 areas where people with behavioral health needs leaving California prisons and jails experience the greatest challenges in accessing housing. It also provides 10 complementary recommendations for actions that state, county, and local leaders can take to reduce homelessness among this population.

Charles Francis, Thomas Coyne, and Katie Herman | February 2021 | The Council of State Governments Justice Center, Melville Charitable Trust

Project Credits

Writing: Charles Francis, Thomas Coyne, Katie Herman, CSG Justice Center

Research: Katie Herman, Thomas Coyne, Charles Francis, CSG Justice Center

Advising: Hallie Fader-Towe, Ayesha Delany-Brumsey, CSG Justice Center

Editing: Darby Baham, Emily Morgan, Katy Albis, CSG Justice Center

Design: Michael Bierman

ABOUT THE AUTHORS


Image for:
Former Employee
Image for:
Former Employee
Image for:
Former Senior Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
Katie Herman plays a key role in the Stepping Up initiative, mental health diversion, and other work at the intersection of justice, behavioral health, and homelessness. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, she worked at the Center for Alternative
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Sentencing and Employment Services (CASES) in New York City for eight years. She was initially the court liaison social worker for the CASES Nathaniel ACT Team, the city's first felony alternative to incarceration program for adults with serious mental illnesses. She then supervised their Criminal and Supreme Court Team. Katie received a BA in English from the University of San Diego and an MSW from the Columbia University School of Social Work.
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