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Understanding and Managing Risks for People with Behavioral Health Needs

FAQs for Local Prosecutors

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Understanding and Managing Risks for People with Behavioral Health Needs: FAQs for Local Prosecutors

Prosecutors play an important role in determining how the criminal justice system responds to people with behavioral health needs, but they may have questions about what they can do in cases that involve this population or any risks associated with recommending alternatives to incarceration. This brief provides research about people with behavioral health needs and the stigmas they face. It also presents practical steps prosecutors can implement to improve the outcomes for this population, reduce risk, and maintain public safety. Photo by Cytonn Photography on Unsplash.

Rachel Lee and Marlene Biener | March 2021 | The Council of State Governments Justice Center, Association of Prosecuting Attorneys
Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program
Understanding and Managing Risks for People with Behavioral Health Needs

Project Credits

Writing: Rachel Lee, CSG Justice Center, and Marlene Biener, Association of Prosecuting Attorneys

Research: Rachel Lee, CSG Justice Center, and Marlene Biener, Association of Prosecuting Attorneys

Advising: Hallie Fader-Towe, CSG Justice Center

Editing: Darby Baham, Emily Morgan, CSG Justice Center

Design: Michael Bierman

Public Affairs: Ruvi Lopez, CSG Justice Center

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Image for:
Rachel Lee
Senior Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
Rachel Lee provides technical assistance to Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program grantees and offers support on other projects that focus on the intersection of behavioral health and criminal justice. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Rachel worked for
...
C4 Innovations, where she provided project assistance to several recovery-focused Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration initiatives. Rachel has also served as a therapist for people with behavioral health disorders in both inpatient and outpatient health care settings. Rachel earned her BA in psychology from Bates College and her MSW and MPA from Columbia University.
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