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Dear Community Partner,
Every October, Youth Justice Action Month (YJAM) reminds us of the power and potential of young people. This year’s theme, United for Action, calls on communities, advocates, and professionals to come together to reimagine a justice system rooted in healing and opportunity.
Juvenile Justice Behavioral Health (JJBH) Teams are leading efforts to improve the quality and consistency of behavioral health services for justice-involved youth across North Carolina. Through enhanced screening, assessment, care coordination, and treatment, we are building a stronger, more supportive system for our youth.
This is part of the youth justice commitment in the NC DMH/DD/SUS strategic plan. We are working to expand access to evidence-based programs and practices that support youth at every point along the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM). SIM is a framework that identifies key points—or "intercepts"—where youth can be diverted from deeper involvement in the justice system. These intercepts range from community-based prevention and early intervention to re-entry support after incarceration. SIM helps communities map existing services, identify gaps, and coordinate responses to better meet the needs of justice-involved youth.
Featured Event: Talkspace NC Webinar
Title: Innovative Mental Health Therapy for Justice-Impacted Youth
Date/Time: Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Registration: Register for the webinar
Join DMH/DD/SUS and Talkspace to learn about a new partnership offering free virtual therapy to justice-impacted teens. This webinar will explore the need, value, and potential of this innovative service to expand access and improve mental health outcomes for youth.
Who should attend?
- Families and youth
- Mental health professionals
- Court officials and advocates
- Counselors and justice system staff
It’s Not Too Late to Get Involved in Youth Justice Action Month!
Looking to host your own YJAM event? Use the YJAM 2025 Activation Planning Guide to get started and make a meaningful impact in your community.
All my best,
Kelly
Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW
(she/her)
Director
Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
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