Here are five significant news and current events related to mental health justice:

National: Justice Department Secures ADA Agreement with California County to Improve Mental Health Services – The Department of Justice has secured an agreement with a county in California to enhance planning for individuals being discharged from psychiatric facilities and prisons, aiming to strengthen connections and provide better support (source).

Local: South-Central Texas Initiative for Behavioral Health Support – In response to the growing mental health crisis, officials in South-Central Texas have established a collaborative program offering behavioral health support, employment, and housing for individuals in the criminal justice system. This initiative is aimed at reducing recidivism and improving overall community health (source).

International: GAINS Center for Behavioral Health and Justice Expansion – The GAINS Center, an international organization, is focusing on expanding access to services for people with mental and/or substance use disorders who come into contact with the justice system, providing a crucial link between justice and mental health sectors (source).

National: Justice Department Finds State of South Carolina Unnecessarily Segregates Adults with Mental Illness – The Justice Department found that the state of South Carolina was unnecessarily segregating adults with mental illnesses in adult care homes, pointing to an urgent need for reform in mental health care practices (source).

International: Chief Justice Calls On State To ‘Join Forces’ To Solve Homelessness, Mental Health Crisis – The National Judicial Task Force is being implemented to address the intertwined issues of homelessness and mental health. The Chief Justice has called on states to unite in tackling these critical concerns (source).