Criminal and Juvenile Justice
SAMHSA promotes early intervention and treatment as healthier alternatives to detaining people with behavioral health conditions in the U.S. justice system. In doing this work, SAMHSA recognizes the balance of public health and public safety priorities.
Learn about the SAMHSA-funded grant programs that address behavioral health and criminal justice issues:
Explore TTA sites that provide information and resources for behavioral health and criminal justice issues.
The GAINS Center focuses on expanding access to services for people with mental and substance use disorders who come into contact with the criminal justice system.
SAMHSA’s SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery program increases access to Social Security disability benefits for eligible individuals who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have a serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorder.
Related Resources
- Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Publications
- Bureau of Justice Statistics
- Principles of Community-based Behavioral Health Services for Justice-involved Individuals: A Research-based Guide
- Use of Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in Criminal Justice Settings
- MAT Inside Correctional Facilities: Addressing Medication Diversion
- Screening and Assessment of Co-Occurring Disorders in the Justice System
- Data Collection Across the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM): Essential Measures
- Tailoring Crisis Response and Pre-Arrest Diversion Models for Rural Communities
- Access key documents and guidance addressing behavioral health and criminal justice.