Reducing the Involvement of Persons with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal Justice System Through Jail Diversion Programs

Henry J. Steadman, PhD

President, Policy Research Associates, Inc

Child abuse and neglect; domestic violence; poor overall health; and legal problems frequently arise at the intersection of substance abuse and mental health in jail inmate and state prison populations. Relapses and re-arrests are common as the availability of treatment for mental health and addiction is often limited – less than half of offenders needing treatment actually receive it.

Several promising programs and approaches are being developed across the country targeting both mental health and substance use problems of those incarcerated. The most recent research was presented at the seminar offered Indiana policymakers new insights into how to tackle these challenges.