The Issue

Millions of people with serious mental health, physical health, and substance abuse issues are admitted to U.S. jails and prisons each year. States spend vast amounts of money on this population both behind bars and in the community. Without continuity of care, the likelihood that people with these health issues will resume the behavior that led to their incarceration and return to prison is increased. Enrollment in federal benefits, including Social Security disability benefits (SSI/SSDI) and Medicaid, can improve access by eligible releasees to the services that they need to succeed in the community.

The Response

As coordinators of both the Reentry Policy Council and the Criminal Justice / Mental Health Consensus Project, the Justice Center has been charged by Council of State Governments members to develop resources to educate and engage relevant policymakers and practitioners in addressing access to SSI/SSDI and Medicaid, and to promote a coherent, consistent message on this issue among policymakers from different perspectives and systems.

In response, the Justice Center has developed a number of products. To learn more about these publications and online tools, click here.