Medicaid and Corrections Policy Academy

Last week, we were thrilled to host the in-person convening of our Medicaid and Corrections Policy Academy alongside the Center for Health Care Strategies, with funding and support from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance. This brought together senior leaders from Alaska, Colorado, Maine, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin who have a shared commitment to improving health outcomes for people with complex needs navigating reentry. We were proud to be joined by federal partners and experts from mentor states Arizona, Montana, and New Hampshire and look forward to seeing what our participating states achieve throughout this six-month program. Additional Medicaid-related resources can be found here.

Supporting Children of Incarcerated Parents in School

Children with incarcerated parents often face difficulties at school, where stigma and trauma can make them feel unsafe. Our new article includes insights from our recent webinar discussion on the importance of cross-collaboration, trauma-informed practices, and school-based mental health services. Learn how schools, corrections, and community organizations can work together to create environments where children feel supported and safe. 

Advancing 988 Crisis Response at International Association of Police Chiefs Conference

Our law enforcement team showcased the transformative potential of 988 crisis response at this year's International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference. Deputy Division Director Ernest Stevens and Project Manager Katie Holihen joined experts from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Salt Lake City Police Department, and Iowa City Police Department to discuss strengthening public safety through strategic partnerships. The panel highlighted practical implementation tools, including 988 pocket cards for officers, while exploring successful models of police-mental health collaboration and alternative response options. This cross-sector dialogue represents a significant step forward in advancing comprehensive crisis care within law enforcement. 

National First Responders Day

Last week, President Biden proclaimed October 28, 2024, as National First Responders Day! Here, at the CSG Justice Center, we recognize the important role of all first responders and are working with federal, state, and local leaders to support their efforts. Learn about our work with police-mental health collaboration programs, which help law enforcement agencies nationwide create community-based partnerships to deliver effective and safe responses for people with mental health needs. Through our Expanding First Response work, we’re helping communities reduce reliance on law enforcement during crisis response and ensure the safety of unarmed first responders. Together, we’re working to improve public safety and support those on the front lines.

Pima County Jail Sees 17-Percent Reduction in Overdose Deaths After Expanding Treatment Programs

The introduction of opioid treatment programs inside Pima County jails led to a 17-percent reduction in overdose deaths during the past 13 months. Launched as a small pilot in 2015, the program now reaches over a third of the jail population, offering medication-assisted treatment and post-release support. Officials credit this life-saving initiative with improving health outcomes both inside the jail and across the wider community.

The National Incarceration Association’s Hybrid Case Management for People with Behavioral Health Needs

The National Incarceration Association (NIA)’s reentry program offers a one-stop resource approach with hybrid service coordination and flexible case management led by volunteers and peers. By integrating a community of service providers and stakeholders to expedite long-term interventions, the NIA is striving to reduce recidivism, help people retain jobs and maintain sobriety, reunite families, and provide sustained housing for clients.

How to Reshape the Conversation on Youth Crime

The CSG Justice Center and the Prudential Foundation are excited to launch our three-part webinar series on the key steps that policymakers and juvenile justice system leaders can take to address youth crime and behavioral health challenges. Our first webinar, “3 Steps to Take—Communications and Media,” will focus on shaping public and policymaker perceptions about youth crime through effective communication strategies.

Featured experts include Carroll Bogert, president of The Marshall Project; Jinnie Horan, public information specialist at Pierce County Juvenile Court; and Courtney McSwain, director of communications for the National Youth Justice Network. Join the conversation to learn how to reshape the way we talk about youth crime. Register here! 

November 7, 2024

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET

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