Archive

Since the launch of Stepping Up in 2015, more than 475 counties in 43 states have passed a resolution or proclamation to join the initiative and commit to creating a data-driven, systems-level plan to reduce the prevalence of mental illness in their jails and improve outcomes for people with mental illnesses in their communities. In 2018, dozens of counties participated in the Stepping Up Day of Action to highlight the important work happening in their communities. But there’s much more work to be done. Throughout 2019, the Stepping Up partners are asking counties to “Step Up” their efforts by completing the Stepping Up County Self-Assessment to identify a priority goal for this year (learn more here). Read More

Jails across the U.S. are seeing reductions in their populations since the pandemic struck, yet local officials say the prevalence of mental illness in their facilities remains stubbornly high. Our latest video features officials from Douglas County, KS and San Luis Obispo, CA—both recognized as Innovator Counties in the Stepping Up Initiative—and helps us uncover why people with mental illnesses are remaining in or returning to jail at higher rates than other populations and how to change that. Read More

As telehealth expands, communities across the country are looking for information on how best to facilitate connections to care for people with serious mental illnesses being discharged from jail. During COVID-19, telehealth or telemedicine has become an essential practice for connecting people with mental illnesses from jails to psychiatric treatment and other services. For more information, please watch our recent webinar hosted by the Stepping Up partners on increasing connections to care with telehealth and other strategies. Read More

The National Association of Counties and its partners at the Council of State Governments Justice Center and the American Psychiatric Association Foundation hosted a live video panel discussion commemorating two years of Stepping Up: A National Initiative to Reduce the Number of People with Mental Illnesses in Jails. Panelists discuss the progress their counties have made as part of the initiative and the continuing challenges and barriers they face to eliminating the use of jails as a response to people experiencing mental health crises. Read More

The California Summit -- Jan. 19, 2017 -- People living with mental illnesses and their family members discuss their experiences with the behavioral health and justice systems and why it is important to incorporate their perspectives into county plans for reducing the number of people with mental illnesses in jails. Read More

The California Summit -- Jan. 19, 2017 -- Speakers discuss state and federal funding opportunities and resources for reducing the prevalence of people with mental illnesses in jails and providing needed mental health services in the community. Read More

Stepping Up: The California Summit -- Jan. 19, 2017 -- State leaders discuss ways to establish a foundation across California on which to build and harness the extraordinary momentum of the summit. Read More

Stepping Up: The California Summit -- Jan. 19, 2017 -- Collaboration between criminal justice and behavioral health agencies is necessary to ensure appropriate levels of care and supervision for people with mental illnesses in the criminal justice system. Speakers explore federal and state laws, while providing guidance to overcome challenges. Read More