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


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Image for:
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Image for:
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