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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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
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May 2020Stepping Up Technical Assistance Data Outcomes and Technical Assistance Processes Across Five Stepping Up CountiesThis report describes SU technical assistance services provided and highlights data outcomes across the first five counties engaged with the CBHJ. These outcomes were analyzed from the results of standardized screening instruments collected on a sample of individuals as they booked into each county jail. The screening instrument detected symptoms of severe mental illness (SMI) using the Kessler-6 (K6), substance use disorder (SUD), co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders (COD), recidivism, and housing stability. Results of current jail processes for identifying SMI are also presented, along with the process for providing follow-up referral and services to those with SMI.DiversionReport
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April 2020Identification, referral, and services for individuals with serious mental illness across multiple jailsThis study evaluates eight county jails’ processes for identification, referral and services for individuals with mental health (MH) concerns. Identification of serious mental illness (SMI) through “practice as usual” and through a validated screening instrument were compared/contrasted for individuals across eight jails. Findings show the instrument to be consistent in identifying proportion of persons with SMI across each county, but the proportion identified by jail staff through “practice as usual” varied greatly. Additionally, referral to—and receipt of—subsequent services for the staff-identified individuals varied greatly, leading to recommendations for improved processes.DiversionPublication
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March 2020Screening for mental health and substance misuse in Michigan jailsThis policy brief discusses the Michigan Mental Health Diversion Council (MMHDC) and the Wayne State University Center for Behavioral Health and Justice (CBHJ) recommendation that the State of Michigan adopt valid screening for mental health and substance us disorder – particularly risk of withdrawal – at jail intake that is consistent across the state. Currently, screening practices across Michigan’s 83 jails are not consistent, and most do not use standardized measures. This brief discusses the benefits of standardized screens, quick facts about substance use and mental health disorder identification in Michigan jails, and recommendations for modifying MDOC Administrative Rules as well as various options counties can use for mental health and substance withdrawal/misuse screens.DiversionPolicy brief
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March 2020Using boundary spanners for cross-system collaborationThis policy brief discusses the Michigan Mental Health Diversion Council (MMHDC) and the Wayne State University Center for Behavioral Health and Justice (CBHJ) recommendation for the State of Michigan to use ‘boundary spanners’ who can work across criminal/legal and treatment systems to facilitate both diversion from jail and optimal community re-entry. Boundary spanners play a crucial role in connecting individuals with serious mental illness to services. The brief shares quick facts regarding diversion as well as mental health and substance use services within Michigan jails. Recommendations for how Michigan can support the use of boundary spanners across the state are also provided.DiversionPolicy brief
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March 2020Recommended best practices for jail diversion for individuals with mental health disordersThe Michigan Mental Health Diversion Council (MMHDC) and the Wayne State University Center for Behavioral Health and Justice (WSU CBHJ) have identified recommendations for state and county administrators based on data from pilot projects in 10 counties. These recommendations will support improved identification, referral and service delivery, and decrease incarceration for those with serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders. Recommendations include valid screening for mental health and substance use disorders at jail intake that is consistent statewide, the use of ‘boundary spanners’ across criminal/legal and treatment systems, increased training for law enforcement/corrections officers, and identifying alternative locations for officers to divert individuals from jail.DiversionPolicy brief
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March 2020Alternate drop-off locations for individuals with serious mental illnessThe Michigan Mental Health Diversion Council (MMHDC) and Wayne State’s Center for Behavioral Health and Justice (CBHJ) recommend that each county identify alternative locations to divert individuals with symptoms of serious mental health issues from jail. The majority of communities in Michigan have no viable alternative drop-off sites available to law enforcement. As a result, jail is often the only option for officers to take an individual in crisis who needs to be transported from an emergency scene. This policy brief provides background information on the issue, quick facts, and possible alternatives to incarceration for individuals with serious mental illness.DiversionPolicy brief
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February 2020Recommended Best Practices for Jail Diversion for Individuals with Mental Health DisordersThe Michigan Mental Health Diversion Council (MMHDC) was established in 2013 with the intent and focus of diverting individuals with mental health disorders and/or developmental disabilities from the criminal/legal system across the state. In 2014, the MMHDC, through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), sought proposals for interventions at one or more intercept points (e.g. Sequential Intercept Model1 (SIM)) to enhance diversion opportunities.DiversionToolkit
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February 2020Women in Michigan JailsThis report uses pilot data from ten Michigan counties to examine demographics, behavioral health outcomes, and diversion program experiences of women during and after jail stays. Analyses compare women and men, and women of color and white women, to assess differences by sex and race. While the State of Michigan currently lacks the data infrastructure to comprehensively assess jails across all 83 counties, this report provides robust estimates about the jail system statewide.DiversionReport
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February 2020Women in Michigan jails: using pilot data to examine demographics, behavioral health outcomes, and diversion program experiences of women during and after jail staysThis report highlights data from ten Michigan counties that served as mental health jail diversion pilot sites. The purpose of this report is to use pilot county data to provide policymakers, criminal/legal systems personnel and legislators with robust current estimates about the population of women jailed in Michigan. The report begins with an overview of national trends in women’s jail incarceration, with a particular focus on serious mental illness (SMI) and substance use disorders (SUD) among jailed women. The authors then narrow their focus to Michigan specifically and examine these two domains using data from pilot counties. Recommendations based on the analyses are offered.DiversionReport