2016/06/22 Council Agenda Packet

6 in evidence-based criminal justice programs and strategies. Strategic investments of JAG funds to implement JRI legislation and policy changes in JRI states can augment federal funds and achieve greater cost savings and reinvestments in programs to promote public safety. For state- by-state information on JRI, please visit the JRI Sites web page. Over the past seven years, DOJ has partnered with state, local, and tribal agencies and national organizations to support hundreds of reentry programs across the country to provide job training, healthcare, housing,treatment, and other services to individuals returning to our communities from prisons and jails.The demand for effective reentry services remains high. More than 600,000 men and women leave our prisons every year and more than 11 million people cycle through our jails. Investments of JAG funds to support reentry efforts at the state and local level will pay dividends for returning citizens and for public safety in America. A summary of research-based reentry strategies is available on the National Reentry Resource Center's What Works in Reentry Clearinghouse along with a map identifying federally funded Second Chance Act Reentry programs at the state and local level. (See https://csgiusticecenter.orq/nrrc). Public Defense Another key priority area is support for improving public defense delivery systems. To support this priority in November 2015, BJA established the Right to Counsel National Consortium (www.rtcnationalcampaign.org ) to spearhead a national conversation on how to ensure the Sixth Amendment Right to Counsel for every individual. BJA continues to encourage states and SAAs to use JAG funds to ensure that no person faces the loss of liberty without first having the aid of a lawyer with the time, ability, and resources to present an effective defense. Currently, across the nation public defense reform is being supported by governors, state legislators, chief judges and local communities. Research shows that early appointment of counsel can decrease jail and prison stays and produce better outcomes for defendants and communities. Many of these successes are guided by the American Bar Association's Ten Principles of a Public Defense Delivery System,which are recommendations for government officials and other parties who are charged with improving public defense delivery systems (htto://www.americanbar.orq/content/dam/aba/administrative/legal aid indigent defendants/is sclaid def tenprinciolesbooklet.authcheckdam.odf). Improving Mental Health Services Many people with mental illness enter the criminal justice system without a diagnosis or with untreated mental illness. Screening and assessment is critical to identify and provide appropriate referrals to treatment.This is an issue that impacts numerous facets of the criminal justice system. BJA encourages states to utilize JAG funding in support of programs and policy changes aimed at identifying and treating people with severe mental illness to divert when appropriate, treat during incarceration, and engage in appropriate pre-release planning for the provision of community treatment(see JMHCP Resources). BJA provides training and technical assistance(TTA)to grantees and non-grantees(states,jurisdictions)to increase enrollment in health care plans(increase linkages to health care providers)that can increase access to treatment for improved mental health outcomes. Information can be found at www.biatraininq.orq. DOJ Universal Accreditation w/Forensic Service Providers In 2015, the National Commission on Forensic Science(NCFS) announced recommendations on strengthening the field of forensic science. There are a number of key principles,which include promoting universal accreditation and finding ways to improve upon medical-legal 6 BJA-2016-9020 99