SJC Exchange Library

Originally posted by Katie Holihen on 07/17/2024

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Good afternoon, SJC network!

The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center is excited to share a new guide outlining how communities can center equity in their initiatives to reduce the overrepresentation of people with behavioral health needs in local criminal justice systems. This guide applies an equity framework to key phases of an initiative's life cycle, emphasizing key questions communities should be asking and offering practical strategies and examples from across the Safety and Justice Challenge Network. ​From understanding the problem and past efforts to address it, to grant writing and program design, to sustainability planning, this guide offers insight into how to center equity every step of the way. This guide is also a resource for practitioners deep in implementation, with strategies for keeping an equity focus through waning enthusiasm, staff transitions, and shifting political landscapes.

The guide is organized into four sections: Exploratory Phase, Planning Phase, Implementation Phase, and Sustainability Phase. Each section is designed to serve as a stand-alone resource, through questions and strategies may overlap or be relevant at different points depending on the unique characteristics of the initiative and community context.

While you're visiting the Centering and Sustaining Equity in Criminal Justice-Behavioral Health Initiatives page, be sure to check out our SJC sustainability resources: Financing the Future of Local Initiatives.

Don't hesitate to reach out to me or Joey Hayashi at jhayashi@csg.org with any questions or concerns!

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Katie Holihen
Senior Policy Analyst
CSG Justice Center
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