BJA FY 20 Collaborative Mental Health and Anti-Recidivism Initiative

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Prison populations across the country have been severely impacted by the increased incarceration of individuals with mental illness. Individuals with mental illness are often associated with higher recidivism rates due to their limited access to mental health and other support services upon release. In many states, a shortage of mental health resources directly correlates to the overcrowding of prison systems. Under this initiative, BJA will select one application to establish a statewide pilot program that partners with the appropriate agencies within the state, such as the Department of Mental Health/Behavioral Health and Department of Corrections, to establish a collaborative prison anti-recidivism effort to provide comprehensive care before, during, and after incarceration for persons with serious mental illness, with a goal of reducing recidivism.

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