Substance Use

A disproportionate number of people in the criminal justice system struggle with substance use disorders, many of whom also have co-occurring mental illnesses. Despite the success of some treatment programs for people in the criminal justice system, just a fraction of the people who need these services receive them. Our team works with communities across the U.S. to promote and bring models of success to scale.

Featured

People talking on headsets surrounded by desktop computers

5 Solutions for Overcoming Common Data Quality Challenges on Behavioral Health Calls for Service

Crisis Response

Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program

Police-Mental Health Collaboration (PMHC)

Access to Treatment: Bringing NIATx to Corrections

Resources

FY24 Planning and Implementation Guide for Second Chance Act Improving Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Outcomes for Adults in Reentry Program

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Opportunities to Leverage Medicaid to Support Young People in Adult Corrections

Woman in scrubs sitting in front of a laptop on a video call

Expanding Access to Telehealth through Community Supervision and Health Care Partnerships

Supporting Crisis Stabilization for Youth and Young Adults during Reentry

Understanding Overdose Risk for People Reentering the Community

A female case manager speaks to a client

Implementing Evidence-Based Strategies to Reduce Overdose Risk during Reentry

Woman in blue suit jacket smiles at her colleague while working on their laptops

What Correctional Agencies Need to Know about the Medicaid Section 1115 Reentry Demonstration Opportunity

Centering Lived Expertise

Video: Recovery Capital in Reentry Plans

Embedding Clinicians in the Criminal Justice System

Preparing 911 Dispatch Personnel for Incorporating New First Responder Teams

Program Overview: Law Enforcement-Mental Health Learning Sites

Community Responder Programs: Keys to Building a Strong Call Triage Process

Community Responder Programs: Understanding the Call Triage Process

Creating Buy-In: Best Practices for Collaborating with Referral Sources for Crisis Stabilization Units

Tips for Successfully Implementing a 911 Dispatch Diversion Program

Tips for Successfully Implementing a 911 Dispatch Diversion Program

How to Use 988 to Respond to Behavioral Health Crisis Calls

News & Analysis

Department of Justice sign on building

DOJ Announces $216M in Federal Funding Opportunities for Reentry Programs, Crisis Response Training, Substance Use and Mental Health Treatment

August 24, 2026

Application deadlines range from September 24–October 13, 2026.

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Dr. Jason Miller, Ernie Stevens, and Andrew Estrada on a virtual video call.

What Police Departments Can Learn from San Antonio

August 14, 2026

Ernest Stevens, from the award-winning HBO documentary “Crisis Cops,” interviews Andrew Estrada…

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Health-Related Social Needs and Risk-Need-Responsivity: Mapping Where Medicaid and Criminal Justice Meet

July 13, 2026

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What Police Departments Can Learn from Waco

June 25, 2026

Ernest Stevens, from the award-winning HBO documentary “Crisis Cops,” interviews Waco, Texas,…

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Apply Now to Pilot New Tool for Behavioral Health Interventions in Your County

June 15, 2026

Applications are due Friday, July 31, 2026.

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What Police Departments Can Learn from Denver

May 12, 2026

Ernest Stevens, from the award-winning HBO documentary “Crisis Cops,” interviews former Denver…

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A New Guide to Help Families of People with Mental Health Needs Navigate the Criminal Justice System

May 11, 2026

In this Q&A, the author of NAMI's new guide says, "Families of…

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Headshots of Republican Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon and Democratic Virginia Congressman Bobby Scott

Bipartisan House Coalition Backs Continued Funding for Key Public Safety and Mental Health Programs

March 18, 2026

Congressional leaders are urging appropriations for the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration…

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Key Staff

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