Project STEER - Strategy to Treat, Engage, Educate and Reenter

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) FY20 Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP) supports cross-system collaboration to improve public safety responses and outcomes for individuals with mental illnesses (MI) or co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse (CMISA) who come into contact with the justice system. This program supports public safety efforts through partnerships with social services and other organizations that will enhance responses to people with MI and CMISA. All FY20 JMHCP grant recipients will follow a two-phase process consisting of planning and implementation activities during which grantees will develop a coordinated approach to implementing or enhancing services for justice-involved individuals with MI and CMISA. The planning phase can be for up to 12 months and the implementation phase will begin once the grantee has met the requirements of the planning phase and will continue for the remaining time of the grant. At least one criminal justice agency and one mental health agency will participate in the administration of the program.

Under the FY20 JMHCP Purpose Area 2, the recipient will plan and implement a project that funds operational expenses for centers that provide assistance to those with severe mental health needs who are at risk of recidivism. These mental health centers can provide, but are not limited to, the following services: crisis care, residential treatment, outpatient mental health and primary care services, and community reentry supports. CA/NCF