Responding to a High-Profile Tragic Incident Involving a Person with a Serious Mental Illness
This toolkit from the Council of State Governments Justice Center, in partnership with the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, offers practical tips for managing a crisis involving a person with a history or current diagnosis of serious mental illness. It was written for state mental health commissioners as a resource to help prepare for, manage, and evaluate responses to any violent incidents. State commissioners are expected to explain such events; under high-pressure situations there is no time to “come up to speed” so preparing for these rare but highly visible tragedies makes it possible to speed the healing process for victims, to avoid adverse consequences for people with mental illnesses, and to continue educating the public and policymakers on the need for effective systems of treatment and support.
Corrections leaders balance the complex priorities of maintaining public safety, operating secure facilities, providing needed care and services…
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On May 30, 2025, the White House released the budget request for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.
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This May, the state of Washington passed legislation supporting the expansion of alternative response teams (sometimes called community…
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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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President’s FY26 Budget Maintains Funding for Key Justice and Behavioral Health Programs Amid Proposed Structural Changes
On May 30, 2025, the White House released the budget request for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.
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Developing a Common Definition for Community Responder Programs
This May, the state of Washington passed legislation supporting the expansion of alternative response teams (sometimes called community responders) as a public safety service.
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Finding Solutions to Complex Criminal Justice Issues: Q&A with New CSG Justice Center Advisory Board Member Justice Briana Zamora
The CSG Justice Center Advisory Board establishes the policy and project priorities of the organization. The board features a cross-section of leaders who shape criminal justice policy in various parts of the country.
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From Courtroom to Care: 5 Key Strategies Behind New Mexico’s Competency Diversion Pilot
New Mexico launched a pilot program in 2024 to divert people with mental health needs and misdemeanor charges out of the justice system and into care.
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The 10-Year Impact—and Future—of Stepping Up: Facing the Behavioral Health Crisis in Jails and Communities with Real Solutions
As the Stepping Up initiative marks its 10th year, America’s justice and behavioral health systems are facing a shared crisis: how to meet the behavioral health needs of people cycling through jails.
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