Every month, we’re bringing you the top news in addiction treatment and justice services from publications around the country.
Addiction Treatment | Justice Services
Addiction Treatment
Headline
Addiction can lead to financial ruin — Ohio wants to teach finance pros to help stem the loss
What
The article discusses financial burdens of family members dealing with addiction in Ohio. Many find themselves strained due to unexpected costs such as legal proceedings, childcare and missed work. In response, Ohio's Department of Commerce has initiated “Recovery Within Reach,” training financial advisers to recognize signs of addiction and connect clients with relevant resources. The program aims to address the stigma surrounding addiction and encourage proactive conversations about it in financial planning, offering support to families facing significant monetary challenges.
Why this matters
Community partnerships are an important means of supporting addiction treatment and recovery. By expanding the groups leveraged in supporting those suffering from addiction, we can better (and more expediently) support their needs.
Headline
Sustainable integrated care through community partnerships
What
As substance use disorder treatment pivots toward integrated care, it becomes essential for addiction professionals to delve into meaningful community collaborations that enhance existing services. This webinar examines recovery-oriented systems of care, conducting community needs assessments and fostering relationships to address individuals' needs holistically. Attendees can learn about obstacles to implementation with a focus on solutions. Ultimately, the webinar will analyze data on existing integrated systems involving community partnerships and their impact on the overall community. This webinar also provides slides, handouts, a transcript, references, Q&A and access to a CE quiz and certificate.
Access the webinar recording and resources | Explore our webinar collection
Headline
The Biden-Harris administration reiterates urgent call for Congress to help strengthen addiction treatment, crack down on drug trafficking as HHS releases new data on substance use disorders
What
Amid new data on substance use, revealing that over 48 million Americans experienced a substance use disorder in 2022, the Biden-Harris administration is urging Congress to allocate critical resources to enhance addiction treatment and combat drug trafficking. The data from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that three-quarters of those with substance use disorders did not receive treatment. President Biden has called on Congress to provide over $1.55 billion for addiction treatment, overdose prevention and recovery support.
Application of funds
A significant portion of the funds — $1.2 billion — will increase the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) counter-fentanyl activities, which includes non-intrusive inspection systems and hiring additional Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.
Read more | $74.4 million funds for behavioral health | Visit our grants support site
Justice Services
Headline
Bureau of Justice Assistance and National Institute of Corrections launch resource to assist jails in providing wrap-around services
What
The Justice Department, through the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and the National Institute of Corrections (NIC), has introduced the Jails and Justice Support Center (JJSC), an online resource providing information, training and resources to more than 3,000 jails nationwide. The center focuses on core topics such as screening and assessment, medical and behavioral health, and use of force, with the goal of improving outcomes and promoting safe and humane conditions in jails. Led by the Center for Justice Research and Innovation, the initiative is supported by partners including the American Jail Association, the National Sheriffs’ Association and the National Association of Counties.
About JJSC
The establishment of the Jails and Justice Support Center (JJSC) was prompted by a nationwide request from sheriff offices seeking a platform for guidance on critical issues affecting their jails. In 2019, the Department of Justice (DOJ) formed the Jails Support and Technical Assistance Workgroup to aid state and local law enforcement agencies in jail operations, ensuring compliance with constitutional standards and addressing various operational needs.
Headline
Repairing harm through community dialogue
What
The Restorative Justice Project, funded through the Bureau of Justice Assistance's FY 2022 grant program, employs restorative justice diversion programs to keep youth and young adults out of the criminal justice system, particularly in communities of color. By facilitating community conferences and dialogue through a process of "community circles," the program focuses on repairing harm and addressing the root causes of criminal behavior. The initiative, launched in 2011, has demonstrated promising results, with participants being significantly less likely to be charged with new crimes within 12 months compared to those processed through the juvenile legal system.
What is restorative justice?
Using the restorative justice approach, a young individual who commits a crime might qualify for participation in a restorative justice program facilitated by a community-based organization, bypassing the traditional criminal legal process. Pre-charge restorative justice diversion occurs prior to the formal charging of a young person with a crime. Both the individual being diverted and the harmed party must mutually agree to engage in the restorative justice process for it to proceed.
Headline
OJJDP's National Gang Center webinar: Getting to the heart of youth transformation — creating pathways for youth involvement in violence reduction efforts
What
This webinar by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's National Gang Center emphasizes the importance of including youth perspectives in efforts to reduce gun and gang violence. It highlights programs that intentionally involve young people in strategic planning, development and implementation of violence reduction strategies, as well as system-wide advocacy. The goal is to help participants recognize the significance of youth involvement, identify pathways for youth participation through community-based initiatives, and understand the strategies needed to engage and empower youth as leaders in violence reduction efforts.
Date and time
December 5, 2023, 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Eastern