Persons with Mental Illnesses

Mental health crises are far from a new phenomenon, but awareness of behavioral health crises and understanding the need for holistic and effective response services have recently gained traction among policymakers and communities across the country. Federal policymakers and state officials now see redesigning crisis response as an opportunity to redefine the role of police, expand access to behavioral health services, and address racial inequities.

In the corresponding webinar, The Action Points Framework: Four Key Steps to Expanding Housing Opportunities, participants were shown the role of housing in preventing and reducing involvement with the justice system, as well as other key outcomes. Attendees were also introduced to a framework that can guide communities in increasing housing options for this population. During this office hours session, participants got the opportunity to hear how Colorado has successfully implemented a cross-system approach to increase housing for people with justice involvement.

Coach and grantee contacted each other via email.

Coach met virtually grantee once per month starting in February, 2022.

Coach met virtually with grantee once per month during the quarter.

Coach met virtually once per month during the quarter with the grantee to discuss grant activities.

Coach and grantee met virtually once per month during the quarter to discuss the grant strategies.

The coach has worked with the site to develop and submit their implementation plan and time task plan.

The Haines Borough Police department is in a rural area of Alaska and has struggled to get mental health / crisis intervention training delivered to their staff. The chief requested assistance through the IACP's CRI-TAC, which then directed his request to the CSG Justice Center. CSG Justice Center staff worked with the Haines Borough Police Chief to find a way for his staff to receive the training they need.

CSG Justice Center staff conducted a virtual site visit with Boulder County Community Services JMHCP team. On the first day, CSG Justice Center staff provided an overview of the visit, provided a peer connection from Franklin County, Ohio Office of Justice Policy and Programs on the roles peers can play in jail settings, and learned about Boulder's Strategy to Treat, Engage, Educate and Re-enter (STEER) program enrollment strategies and case management.