Miami-Dade founded the nation’s first “problem-solving court,” focused on drug abuse, in 1989. Problem-solving courts mix criminal justice with specialized therapy. Miami-Dade Judge Steve Leifman is a key figure in this effort. His county is investing $42 million on what Leifman called a “one-stop shop” for pre- and post-trial detainees that offers psychiatric, primary care, dental, and ophthalmic treatment, tattoo removal, …
‘Answer is not building better jails’ – From Lee Provost at The Daily Journal
Lee Provost from the Daily Journal in Kankakee, IL writes about Equitas National Advisor Judge Steve Leifman, who presented at the Kankakee Country Club in Kankakee, IL last month. Leifman, a national leader in solving complex and costly problems of people with untreated mental illnesses involved in the criminal justice system, was the featured speaker this week at the Duane …
National Leaders in Law Enforcement Agree on Mental Health and Justice System Solutions
The nation’s first response to mental health crises is often dangerous for all involved, say experts. April 10, 2019 – (DENVER, COLO.) – The way we currently address mental health amounts to a public health crisis, say law enforcement department and policy leaders. The lack of access to mental health care for many communities places an overwhelming burden of mental …
Law Enforcement Leaders Agree: Communities Must Step Up to Address Mental Health Needs Preventatively
On November 13 and 14 in Los Angeles, the Equitas Project convened 90 leaders and decision-makers in law enforcement for the Course Corrections: National Law Enforcement Summit. Participants at the event included police chiefs, sheriffs, and district attorneys from across the country, as well as national advocacy organizations with a stake in law enforcement issues. Summit participants spent a day …
Judge Steven Leifman Receives Pardes Humanitarian Prize for Helping Thousands Towards Mental Health Instead of Incarceration
“Judge Leifman has accomplished something amazing. Thanks to Judge Leifman’s efforts people don’t go to jail but instead receive treatment so they can move forward with their lives in a healthier way.” –Dr. Jeffrey Borenstein, President and CEO, Brain and Behavior Research Foundation In October, 2018, the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, the nation’s largest non-governmental funder of cutting-edge …
National Public Defenders Summit Directives Document Now Available
Public defenders from around the country convened in Denver this spring for the first of its kind event to build consensus for policy and practice reforms. Top defenders from 21 states and the District of Columbia met for two days to debate reforms to safely reduce incarceration, while improving the lives and wellbeing of individuals living with mental health challenges. Public …
Colorado Summit Resource Compendium
On August 31st and September 1st, 2016, Equitas Foundation convened hundreds of stakeholders from across the state of Colorado to take on the entanglement of behavioral health and criminal justice and come up with real solutions. As part of that effort, the group contributed to a comprehensive collection of resources from a wide swath of subject areas and projects currently …
Equitas Foundation Announces Colorado Summit on Behavioral Health and Criminal Justice
In collaboration with its partners, Equitas Foundation announces the Colorado Summit on Behavioral Health and Criminal Justice. At this event, 225 experts and advocates from all over the state will convene to identify best practices for managing behavioral health, reducing incarceration, and promoting public safety and prosperity. July 8, 2016 – Equitas Foundation and community health reform partners will convene …