To address the complex issues at the intersection of the criminal justice, mental health, and substance abuse treatment systems, some advocates have helped to create community-wide coalitions. Such groups typically bring together consumers of mental health services and family members with representatives of law enforcement, the courts, adult and juvenile corrections, the mental health and substance abuse treatment systems, elected officials, and other relevant stakeholders. Coalitions can be important vehicles to raise awareness of the problem, prioritize solutions, and ensure ongoing coordination and commitment. By engaging community groups that represent members of minority communities, they can also help ensure that stakeholders share a regard for and attention to the dynamics of cultural difference. They also provide advocates with the opportunity to impact policy decisions on a regular basis.
Example: Mental Health Association in Marion County (IN)
In 1994, after concern from criminal justice officials about the high rates of mental illness in their system, staff of the Mental Health Association (MHA) in Marion County convened a group of local judges, prosecutors, jail staff, and service providers to talk about the problem. Over the course of many meetings, the stakeholders planned a diversion program targeting defendants with mental illness charged with misdemeanors. To alleviate concerns among court officials about maintaining contact with diverted defendants, MHA agreed to monitor participants' compliance. The planning group then evolved into a weekly roundtable in which all relevant parties discuss cases. The trust and communication between service providers, MHA staff, community corrections personnel, the prosecutor, and the public defender remains essential for the program's smooth functioning.
Proceed to: "Launch a campaign or organization"/a>
ABOUT
