Increasing access to community-based supports
Using Supported Employment to Help People with Behavioral Health Needs Reentering Communities (NEW)
By The CSG Justice Center
The ability to find and secure employment, particularly with a livable wage, is one of the most critical aspects to helping people lead safe and healthy lives. Unfortunately, many people leaving prison and jail face barriers and stigmas associated with their incarceration that prevent them from obtaining employment. Supported employment services, customized for people with behavioral health needs, can help address these challenges and provide the assistance needed for people with behavioral health conditions to obtain and sustain gainful employment as they reenter communities. This brief highlights four ways that reentry and community supervision programs can use supported employment services to prepare people with behavioral health needs for successful reentry.
Action Points: Four Steps to Expand Access to Housing for People in the Justice System with Behavioral Health Needs (NEW)
By The CSG Justice Center
State and local leaders are beginning to understand that providing affordable, permanent housing is fundamental to reducing justice involvement, particularly for people with behavioral health needs. However, affordable housing is scarce nationwide, and people who have been involved in the justice system face a number of barriers to accessing available housing, including stigma and prohibitions based on criminal records. These challenges disproportionately impact Black and Latinx people, who already face higher rates of incarceration and homelessness than the population as a whole. In light of these challenges, this brief presents four steps state leaders should take to increase housing opportunities and improve justice and health outcomes for this population.
Webinar: How Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics Support People in the CJ System
By The CSG Justice Center
This virtual discussion (1) provided an overview of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model, (2) highlighted examples of CCBHCs partnering with criminal justice entities in their communities, (3) discussed ways to build collaborations between behavioral health and criminal justice entities, and (4) highlighted ways to start and sustain a CCBHC program. Panelists included representatives from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, current CCBHC program staff and criminal justice partners, and the CSG Justice Center.