News and Events
For the latest information visit the CCJBH Projects page.
CCJBH News and Events
CCJBH and RAND Corporation Unveil Comprehensive Juvenile Justice Toolkit
In April 2024, CCJBH completed a major project with non-profit policy research institute RAND, resulting in the creation of the Juvenile Justice Toolkit. This toolkit is designed to help California counties better serve high-needs youth, previously served by the Division of Juvenile Justice, but are now served by County Probation Departments due to SB 823 Juvenile Justice Realignment – plus other levels of juvenile justice system involvement. Additionally, the comprehensive California Juvenile Justice Methods for Development Report details the toolkit’s development process. The Office of Youth and Community Restoration will now lead the next phase, providing technical assistance and support for counties using this resource to guide their selection and implementation of youth programs and practices.
A Statewide Look at Mental Health Diversion
The Council of State Governments Justice Center (CSG), in collaboration with CCJBH, produced the comprehensive report “A Statewide Look at Mental Health Diversion.” This document provides a thorough analysis of California’s mental health diversion efforts, spotlighting the effectiveness of current policies and offering robust recommendations to enhance and standardize diversion practices across the state.
CSG’s efforts included extensive engagement through surveys, interdisciplinary learning communities, and virtual listening sessions, bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders—from academics and practitioners to judges and defense attorneys. Discussions focused on critical implementation challenges, such as substance use disorder treatment, housing, and health insurance connectivity, with a strong emphasis on racial equity.
The report not only assesses diversion programs, but also proposes actionable strategies to expand diversion programs statewide. It aims to serve as a foundational resource for policymakers as California continues to implement and refine these crucial programs, providing the necessary insights to take action to prevent the incarceration of individuals with behavioral health needs.
CCJBH 22nd Annual Legislative Report Now Available
CCJBH has completed its 22nd Annual Legislative Report. This report details the Council’s efforts to convene stakeholders, facilitate dialogue, and share best practices and research. Our findings and recommendations aim to inform policy and practice improvements to address the needs of California’s behavioral health and justice-involved (BH/JI) population.
The full report has now been posted to our website publication page. Please take the time to read and share this comprehensive document.
We extend our gratitude to all stakeholders who reviewed our report and provided invaluable insights, perspectives, and awareness beyond the designated public comment period. Your feedback is crucial as we strive to serve as a resource, mediator, and facilitator in this vital area of public interest. Tackling the complex challenges at the intersection of behavioral health and criminal justice is a collaborative effort, and your engagement is deeply appreciated.
Click here for the report.
Transformative Approaches in Youth Justice: CCJBH visits Iris Garrett Juvenile Justice Correctional Complex (IGJJCC)
On March 26, 2024, Brenda Grealish, CCJBH Executive Officer, Emily Mantsch, CCJBH Associate Governmental Programs Analyst, and CCJBH Councilmember Dr. Danitza Pantoja, toured the Iris Garrett Juvenile Justice Correctional Complex (IGJJCC), a secured detention and youth treatment facility serving Merced County. CCJBH became aware of Merced County’s model program at their September 2023 Juvenile Justice Workgroup, which discussed the implementation of Senate Bill 823 and featured presentations from Merced and Shasta County on their programs. Following the workgroup presentation, CCJBH staff made arrangements to see the facility in person and learn more about the programs.
IGJJCC has adopted an integrated treatment model to reintegrate justice system-involved youth into their families and communities with the knowledge and skills necessary to live successful, crime-free lives. During the tour, we learned about the exceptional programs offered at IGJJCC, notably the Rise to Higher Grounds Café,
which provides youth with employable skills training and leadership development. Youth who participate in this program are enrolled in the Merced County Regional Occupational Program’s Culinary Essentials program and receive their food handler’s certification card prior to working at the mobile coffee cart, which prepares them for employment in their local labor market upon transition to the community. Additionally, the youth operate a Community Garden,
where they are given the autonomy to select the produce that is grown each season and learn valuable lessons in agriculture. In addition to these programs, GEO Reentry Services has operated the Merced County Youth Program since November 2022, providing evidence-based reentry programming for the juveniles that addresses the challenges young participants face and promote growth and successful reintegration into the community.
Through our tour of IGJJCC, it was evident that the staff are fully committed to working together with each other, youth, and their families to provide the youth with the opportunities they need to transition into the community. We truly thank Chief Christopher Henn, Deputy Chief Ben Rodriguez, and Division Manager Jennifer Medeiros for educating us on the programs offered at IGJJCC and providing a comprehensive tour of the facility.