Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Reauthorization Act of 2022
Dec 27, 2022
Statute: 136 Stat. 4437
Became law: Dec 27, 2022
Dec 27, 2022
Statute: 136 Stat. 4437
Became law: Dec 27, 2022
Summary
Provides money to help state and local governments improve how the justice system responds to people with mental health issues.
What problem does this solve?
Police are often the first to respond to mental health crises but may not have the right training, leading to poor outcomes. This law funds programs that create special teams of officers and mental health workers to handle these calls better.
What does this law do?
Creates mental health crisis response teams
Allows funds to be used for teams of specially trained officers and mental health crisis workers to respond to calls together. These teams should try to be available 24/7.
Supports the 988 suicide and crisis hotline
Allows state and local governments to use funds to help set up and expand the 988 mental health crisis hotline.
Funds suicide prevention in jails
Allows money to be used for suicide prevention programs and services for people who are in jail or prison.
Provides support after release from jail
Funds case management and other services to help people with mental health or substance use issues reenter the community after being released, aiming to reduce repeat offenses.
Adds training for prosecutors
Expands the program to include training for state and local prosecutors about programs that can divert people from jail and into treatment.
Requires new reports on mental health in the justice system
Updates a requirement for the government to study and report on how many people with mental illness are involved with the justice system for the years 2023 through 2027.
Who does this affect?
- Individuals with mental health or substance use disorders
- Law enforcement and first responders
- State and local governments
What is the real world impact?
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Improves crisis response
Creates better ways to handle mental health emergencies by funding teams of trained officers and mental health workers who can respond together, potentially leading to safer outcomes for everyone involved.
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Reduces repeat offenses
Aims to stop the cycle of arrest and release by providing case management and mental health services to people leaving jail, helping them successfully reenter the community.
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Supports law enforcement
Reduces the pressure on police officers who are not mental health experts by giving them resources and partners who are trained to handle mental health crises.
When does this start?
This law became effective on December 27, 2022, and includes specific timelines for reporting.