CSG Launches New Chief Justice-led Task Force Initiative

As part of the Judges' Criminal Justice / Mental Health Leadership Initiative, the Council of State Governments (CSG) and the National GAINS/TAPA Center have issued a request for applications from state Supreme Court Chief Justices who wish to establish (or have already established) a statewide task force regarding people with mental illnesses in the justice system.

Chief Justices are uniquely positioned to convene leaders from all three branches of state government and to encourage them to develop statewide, cross-system strategies that will improve outcomes for people with mental illnesses in the justice system. The Conference of Chief Justices encouraged Chief Justices to take a leadership role in addressing criminal justice/mental health issues in a resolution passed by its members in January 2006.

Chief Justices in four to six states will be selected among the applicants to receive limited funding support and free technical assistance, including participation in a national, invite-only policy forum. Applications, which will be considered only if submitted by (or on behalf of) the state's Chief Justice, are due by January 11. This project has been made possible through funding support from the JEHT and Conrad N. Hilton Foundations. Click here to read more about the project.