WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the following statements after the Crisis Stabilization and Community Reentry Act, which would authorize grants to allow law enforcement to partner with mental health providers in the community on treatment and crisis stabilization services for incarcerated individuals and promote community-based care upon reentry, was signed into law last night:
“Every day, our criminal justice system provides care for thousands of inmates with mental health issues,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This law will help these individuals receive treatment while incarcerated and give them the security of knowing they will have access to mental health resources once released.”
“This measure will help provide incarcerated individuals with mental health care vital to their successful return to society. The Crisis Stabilization and Community Reentry Act will fix the current failings of the system by ensuring dependable access to mental health treatment in their communities to help them stay on track,” said Sen. Blumenthal.
Background:
The Crisis Stabilization and Community Reentry Act, which was also cosponsored by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), would authorize:
- Collaborative programs involving justice and mental health agencies and community-based behavioral health providers that would help ensure access to appropriate medication and long-term health care for returning citizens;
- Community-level crisis response programs that involve all stakeholders in building and implementation;
- Targeted training programs for law enforcement related to medication adherence and continuity of care; and
- Strengthening local agency and provider capacity to reduce suicides during incarceration.