ASCA, NASADAD,and NASMHPD are working with CSG to develop a Framework for Targeting Scarce Behavioral Health/Criminal Justice Resources to the Highest Risk/Highest Need Populations.  Click here to download the DRAFT concept paper that describes the focus of that effort.

A Joint Meeting of the Association of State Correctional Administrators (ASCA), the Association of State Alcohol/Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD), and the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) was convened at the Marriott Metro in Washington, DC, December 16th and 17th, 2008. The meeting was conducted with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance for the purpose of advancing the progress made during the June 2007 meeting of the three organizations. Pursuant to the Guiding Principals established at the June 2007 meeting, the objective of the December 2008 meeting was to develop a set of “action steps” through which practical and cost effective deliverables might be produced, and to establish responsibilities and timelines for their implementation.

Click this link for a full meeting summary

Click here for the 37 guiding principals developed from the meeting

SAMHSA recently announced a new working definition of recovery from mental disorders and substance use disorders. The definition is the product of a year-long effort by SAMHSA and a wide range of partners in the behavioral health care community and other fields to develop a working definition of recovery that captures the essential, common experiences of those recovering from mental disorders and substance use disorders. Major guiding principles support the recovery definition. SAMHSA led this effort as part of its Recovery Support Strategic Initiative.

The new working definition of Recovery From Mental Disorders and Substance Use Disorders is as follows:

A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.

Through the Recovery Support Strategic Initiative, SAMHSA also has delineated four major dimensions that support a life in recovery:

• Health: Overcoming or managing one's disease(s) as well as living in a physically and emotionally healthy way.
• Home: A stable and safe place to live.
• Purpose: Meaningful daily activities, such as a job, school, volunteerism, family caretaking, or creative endeavors, and the independence, income, and resources to participate in society.
• Community: Relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope.

Click here for the full press release

The purpose of this project is to provide information to SAMHSA on strategic approaches they can promote through their work with State and local policy makers, agency administrators, and providers to advance the implementation of Evidence Based Practices that have been shown to reduce recidivism and drug use and increase positive outcomes for justice- involved individuals with addiction and co-occurring disorders. ASCA is participating in project workgroups. The following are resource documents presented in project meetings that may be of value to your agency.

•  Click here for: Advancing Uptake of EBPs, Dr. Taxman’s presentation from the September 26th meeting.
•  Click here for: Advancing Uptake of EBPS through the Second Chance Act
•  Click here for: Measuring Collaboration and Integration (2009)
•  Click here for: Competing Values Among CJ Administrators (2009)