In November, SAMHSA has released a new guide, "Municipal Courts: An Effective Tool for Diverting People with Mental and Substance Use Disorders from the Criminal Justice System," that provides information on the role of municipal courts as an early intervention point for diverting persons with behavioral health conditions from the criminal justice system and into treatment. Developed by SAMHSA's GAINS Center, this guide describes the benefits and challenges as well as four essential elements necessary to implement diversion programs in municipal courts: identification and screening; court-based clinicians; recovery-based engagement strategies; and proportional response.
The guide is available in electronic format from the SAMHSA Store, and can be downloaded via the following link:
Municipal Courts: An Effective Tool for Diverting People with Mental and Substance Use Disorders from the Criminal Justice System
PACEs in the Criminal Justice System
Discussion and sharing of resources in working with clients involved in the criminal justice system and how screening for and treating ACEs will lead to successful re-entry of prisoners into the community and reduced recidivism for former offenders.
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