This op-ed by Ernie Stevens from the CSG Justice Center, featured in the December issue of American Police Beat Magazine, highlights the transformative potential of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for U.S. policing. Stevens discusses how the lifeline, operational since July 2022, shifts some responsibilities from police to trained crisis responders, particularly in mental health situations. This approach could refocus law enforcement on more critical incidents and lessen their involvement in mental health crises, emphasizing the need for collaboration between law enforcement and behavioral health professionals.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, is announcing the continuation of a national policy academy initiative entitled “Advancing Medication for Opioid Use Disorders in State Prisons.” The purpose of this initiative is to support the implementation or expansion of medication for opioid use disorders (MOUD) in state prisons through technical assistance and collaboration with other states. Particular emphasis will be placed on the creation and implementation of a state implementation plan that includes evidence-based approaches for expanding access to MOUD in state prison settings, as well as the development of key state partnerships to support and sustain MOUD within prisons. For additional information, please contact Brianna McMahon at bmcmahon@prainc.com. Applications are due January 19, 2024.  

This article from The Washington Post, featuring Nina Solomon from the CSG Justice Center, examines the ongoing efforts and policies that states have adopted in response to national near-record high rates of student absenteeism. These efforts vary widely, as some states look to increase and reinstitute criminal punishments for chronically absent students and their parents, while others look to enact programs that provide students with resources including transportation and laundry to address barriers to youth attending school. 

At 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT, Washington will be launching their participation as the third state to join the Reentry 2030 initiative! Washington will be joining Missouri and Alabama in committing to successful reintegration for every person and fostering a brighter future. Washington’s Reentry 2030 plan includes: (1) reach zero returns to homelessness by 2030; (2) strengthen the state’s workforce by expanding educational services and employment access and opportunities; and (3) ensure 100% of eligible individuals are signed up for Medicaid 90 days before release by 2030. 

We are partnering with the Policing Project at NYU School of Law and the Vera Institute of Justice to host a webinar on ways that alternative first response programs can use Medicaid or private insurer reimbursements to fund their efforts. Experts who have already used these approaches will share their perspectives and offer tips on how to leverage these funding sources effectively. 

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