Policy Issues & Resources: Criminal/Juvenile Justice

There are more than 2.2 million people held in federal and state prisons or in local jails in the United States. The U.S. Department of Justice estimated in 2005 that more than half of all individuals in both prison and jail had a mental illness and that in 2002 more than two thirds of individuals in jail were identified as dependent or abusing alcohol or drugs. Individuals returning to communities upon release from jail and prison face numerous barriers to successful transition including limited access to subsidized housing, job prospects, educational opportunities, and health insurance.

The National Council advocates for the appropriate access to mental health and addiction treatment while individuals are within the criminal justice system and necessary services to support their re-entry into the community.

Recent News I Official Letters I Issue Briefs I Fact Sheets I Official Testimony I Additional Resources

Official Letters

National Council supports ACT4JJ Letter of Support for the Juvenile Justice and Deliquency Prevention Reauthorization Act. ACT4JJ wants 10 local and state organizations from every state to sign on
The National Council sent a Letter of Support to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary in support of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2009
Letter to Senators Reid and McConnell in Support of MIOTCRA Reauthorization in July 2008
Thank You Letter to Senators Kennedy and Domenici for Introducing the MIOTCRA Reauthorization and Improvement Act of 2007
Thank You Letter to Representatives Scott and Forbes for Introducing the MIOTCRA Reauthorization and Improvement Act of 2007

Issue Briefs

Fact Sheets

Access to Addiction Treatment for Justice Involved Individuals

Official Testimony

Congressional Testimony on Justice-Involved Individuals with Mental Illness & Addiction