Research
Explore our library of research products including academic publications, reports on research and outcomes, policy briefs, videos of webinars, animations, and more. Research products are organized by initiative and/or by type, with the most recent items at the top of the list. Search by topic with the search bar at the top of the page.
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October 2020Mental health identification practices of jails: the unmet needs of the 'silent' populationThis study assesses the jail- and community-based outcomes for individuals identified through two methods of mental health identification procedures used within eight county jails: (a) staff observation and (b) a standardized screening instrument. Findings show that individuals identified through staff observation were significantly more likely to receive jail- and community-based services even though substance misuse and symptomology were significantly higher for individuals identified by a standardized screening instrument. Because mental health practices of jails can have lasting treatment effects during reentry, staff training combined with a screening instrument is recommended for identification as well as strong community-based collaborations for uninterrupted care upon reentry.DiversionPublication -
October 2020Fall 2020 NewsletterCBHJ, School of Medicine and Wayne County develop toolkit of COVID-19 mitigation strategies for Michigan county jails; Post-overdose referrals to treatment to increase after EMS legal representation examines lawful cross-agency data sharing; Evaluation reports on Michigan Re-entry Project (MIREP) show positive outcomes among high-risk population; SAMHSA reduces barriers to new methadone patients in jail through crisis exceptions during the COVID-19 pandemic; and more.DiversionReentryTreatment ecosystemsCrisis responseOtherNewsletter
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October 2020Understanding health reform as justice reform: Medicaid, care coordination, and community supervisionPeople with chronic behavioral health conditions, such as serious mental illnesses or substance use disorders, are disproportionately incarcerated and re-incarcerated. Probation and parole agencies are often unequipped to support their needs. Community corrections thus contributes to the criminal justice entanglement of people with health problems. Efforts at diversion into community-based treatment are often hindered by the lack of funding to cover comprehensive treatment programs. However, carefully targeted health reform efforts can become justice reform: state Medicaid programs can tailor and fund specialty community-based care coordination and behavioral health programming for targeted populations.DiversionReport
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September 2020Medicaid and Continuity of Coverage for the Justice-Involved PopulationThe Wayne State University School of Social Work Center for Behavioral Health and Justice (CBHJ) recently partnered with TBD Solutions (TBDS), located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to assess the issue of Medicaid continuity for those entering and exiting jails across Michigan. The report found widespread barriers faced by county jails to accessing and reactivating Medicaid for the previously incarcerated population, an already disenfranchised population, and outlines best practices and recommendations to improve access to Medicaid for those released from Michigan’s jails.DiversionReport
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September 2020New England Regional Judicial Opioid Initiative Action Researcher ReportThis report includes a "hotspot" analysis of key geographic locations to consider in addressing the opioid crisis in New England states. Additionally, results of a survey conducted with New England stakeholders in courts, public health and safety, treatment, and social services provide insight into how they believe funds should be distributed to address the opioid crisis.DiversionReport
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September 2020Comparing for-profit and nonprofit mental health services in jailsThis study is derived from a multi-site evaluation of jail-based mental health practices in eight county jails in one Midwest state. Findings indicate that county jails using for-profit mental health service providers were less likely to identify persons with serious mental illness (SMI), refer them to services and provide services than those with nonprofit providers. The analyses suggest that the prevalence of individuals with SMI is the same in facilities with for-profit and nonprofit providers which calls attention to the shift from nonprofit to for-profit provision of mental health services. Community members and policymakers should closely examine this shift to obtain a better understanding of its impacts.DiversionPublication
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August 20202020 Jail Diversion Virtual SummitThe 2020 Jail Diversion Summit features facilitated panel discussion with stakeholders from across the state focused on key recommendations from the MMHDC and the Michigan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration including: options in law enforcement training, enhancing deflection and diversion efforts, best practices in warm hand-offs and discharge planning, and improving mental health and substance use screening within jails.DiversionSummit
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August 2020The use of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Model for corrections officers: reducing incidents within a county jailThis study presents an adaptation of the Crisis Intervention Team Model (CIT) to a jail setting. Pre-post surveys and interviews assessed changes in corrections officers’ (CO) knowledge of and attitudes toward mental health. Cell Removal Team (CRT) services assessed the impact of CIT on the use of this specialized unit. Results indicate positive changes in CO attitudes, increased de-escalation skills, and an abrupt decrease in the level of CRT usage, with results sustained in the 8-month follow-up period. These findings support the growing use of CIT in correctional settings and revealed that COs benefit from CIT training.DiversionPublication
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August 20202020 Jail Diversion Virtual SummitHosted by the Michigan Mental Health Diversion Council and the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice, the 2020 Jail Diversion Summit featured facilitated panel discussion with stakeholders from across the state focused on key recommendations from the MMHDC and the Michigan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration including: options in law enforcement training, enhancing deflection and diversion efforts, best practices in warm hand-offs and discharge planning, and improving mental health and substance use screening within jails.DiversionVideo
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July 2020Summer 2020 NewsletterA new generation reacts to structural racism; COVID-19 in the Michigan Youth Justice System: Crisis, Response & Opportunity; Special Report reviews jail incarceration in the Wayne County Jail; CBHJ convenes hundreds of community partners for inaugural Opioid Treatment Ecosystem Summit; and more.DiversionReentryTreatment ecosystemsYouth justiceWayne County jail/mental health initiativeNewsletter
