Serving The Criminal Justice Population: Reentry & Community Mental Health Programs

The likelihood that consumers with complex support needs are involved in some form or fashion in the justice system is high. In fact, 2.2% of the U.S. adult population, or seven million, is in prison or jail, on probation, or on parole, and 16% of that population has a mental illness, or an addictive disorder (35%), or both (45%). This population poses a “high cost” to society with health, behavioral health, social system, court system, and corrections system spending. In this session, we will discuss the challenges of serving the needs of this criminal justice population, and hear from organizations serving the justice-involved population in the community – both through reentry and diversion programs.