SJC Exchange Library

NACo released a new report, Counties Building Safe and Healthy Communities: 12 Impact Stories, that outlines the accomplishments of the 12 counties participating in NACo's Justice Peer Learning Network (PLN) to support vulnerable residents, reduce the local jail population and address racial and ethnic disparities. The report reflects the impact the cohort members had on local policy and the website includes video testimonials from several members who share their experience participating in the Network. 

Between January 2020 and October 2022, of the 12 Peer Learning Network sites developing policies, practices and programs to better serve community members with behavioral health conditions, enhance public safety and reduce racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal legal system:

• 10 opened, approved or explored developing a crisis triage center
• 10 deployed, piloted or discussed implementing mobile crisis teams
• 8 launched behavioral health programs to assist people in jail
• 6 partnered with local universities to support research activities and data-driven decision making
• 9 dedicated a combined $38.3 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Recovery Funds towards public safety and behavioral health programs and improvements
• 7 established data dashboards, and
• 6 launched or enhanced initiatives focused on racial equity.