Building Capacity to Advance Local System Change for People with Behavioral Health Needs: A Snapshot of State-Led Solutions

As discussed in this brief from The Council of State Governments Justice Center, state and local jurisdictions are taking new approaches to reduce the numbers of people with mental illnesses and co-occurring substance use disorders in the local criminal justice system. But these efforts often run up against barriers and gaps that require state leadership, coordination, or funding support to overcome.

Drawing on lessons learned through initiatives funded by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, this brief presents four ways that states can direct their efforts to support local communities:

1. Strengthen and formalize cross-system collaboration
2. Improve local capacity to collect and share data
3. Reduce avoidable contact with the criminal justice system
4. Build community care and services

Access the brief