Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Reauthorization Act of 2022

Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Reauthorization Act of 2022

This bill modifies and reauthorizes through FY2026 the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program. The program provides state, local, and tribal grants to improve the criminal justice system's response to people with mental health disorders.

Among the modifications, the bill

• allows funds for diversion and alternative prosecution and sentencing programs to be used for training for state and local prosecutors related to diversion programs;
• allows funds for multidisciplinary teams to be used to support police officers and mental health crisis workers responding together to mental health calls; and
• allows grants to be awarded for additional purposes such as suicide prevention programs and services, case management services, and state and local implementation of the 988 suicide hotline.

Additionally, the bill reauthorizes through FY2026 the requirement for the Department of Justice to examine and report on the prevalence of mentally ill offenders in prisons and jails.

Bill 117 HR 8166, also known as the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Reauthorization Act of 2022, is a piece of legislation aimed at promoting collaboration between the criminal justice system and mental health services. The bill seeks to provide resources and support for programs that help individuals with mental health issues who are involved in the criminal justice system.

The main goals of the bill include improving access to mental health services for individuals in the criminal justice system, reducing recidivism rates among individuals with mental health issues, and promoting alternatives to incarceration for individuals with mental health needs. The bill also aims to enhance training for law enforcement officers, judges, and other criminal justice professionals on how to effectively interact with individuals with mental health issues.

Key provisions of the bill include funding for mental health courts, crisis intervention teams, and other programs that divert individuals with mental health issues away from the criminal justice system. The bill also provides funding for mental health treatment and support services for individuals who are incarcerated or on probation or parole. Overall, the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Reauthorization Act of 2022 seeks to address the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system in a comprehensive and collaborative manner. By providing resources and support for programs that promote better outcomes for individuals with mental health issues, the bill aims to improve public safety and reduce the burden on the criminal justice system.