Criminal Justice

Each year, the United States releases an estimated 650,000 inmates from prisons and nearly 13 million from jails. Many of these individuals are impacted by mental health disorders, and only some will receive proper discharge planning and information about accessing services after release. Improper care coordination, lack of support, and limited access to resources contribute to high rates of recidivism for individuals after release. This course teaches learners about the challenges faced by individuals upon release from incarceration and how behavioral health professionals can support them as they reenter the community.

Colorado is home to approximately 37,000 licensed lawyers and 390 judges. This course provides judges, district attorneys, public defenders, and private attorneys with insights into the intersection of behavioral health and the criminal justice system. Judges and attorneys will explore mental health conditions and challenges in justice-involved populations, including antisocial personality disorder, substance use disorder, and trauma, while examining how utilizing evidence-based approaches, such as the Risk-Need-Responsivity model, can reduce recidivism.

Learners will gain an understanding of ways behavioral health influences a person’s decision-making, engagement, and rehabilitation; the mental health disorders most seen in justice settings; and how to refer individuals to appropriate services. By recognizing how behavioral and mental health shapes behavior, communication, and compliance, legal professionals can support better overall outcomes for individuals, including reduction in recidivism.

While the course strives to provide an accurate and evidence-based approach to recognizing and responding to behavioral health disorders in jails, it is important to acknowledge certain limitations. The content, while current to the best of our knowledge, may not encompass all recent developments in this rapidly evolving field. The approaches discussed may not be universally applicable, as they are influenced by individual client factors and limitations in healthcare systems. All references have been peer-reviewed. Attendees are also encouraged to continuously seek out the latest research and guidelines to complement the information provided in this training.

Individuals who navigate the criminal justice system encounter a range of hardships and challenges. However, some individuals face more challenges than others due to other factors. For this training, these priority populations include LGBTQ+ individuals, aging individuals, neurodivergent individuals, individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and women. This training will increase awareness of the unique needs of these priority populations within the criminal justice system and provide strategies for developing rapport and reducing harm.

The journey through the criminal justice system is challenging for everyone who must go through it, but especially for those who are also experiencing mental health and substance use disorders. This training introduces behavioral health professionals to the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM). This strategic framework identifies key points in the criminal justice process where individuals with mental health and substance use disorders can be diverted to treatment and support. We will explore the challenges that justice-involved individuals face in the criminal justice system, along with best practices for overcoming these obstacles.

Victims of crime represent a significant and often overlooked portion of the community. Their encounters with law enforcement can have lasting effects—either reinforcing a sense of safety and trust or deepening the trauma they’ve experienced.

While most officers receive training in crisis response and de-escalation, these approaches often focus on managing behavior rather than addressing the emotional and psychological needs of victims. This course helps strengthen connections by focusing on better communication, fostering trust, and reducing the risk of re-victimization. It's designed to support and empower everyone involved.

You will gain the knowledge, awareness, and practical tools needed to respond to victims with empathy, professionalism, and effectiveness—ultimately improving outcomes for both individuals and the broader community.

An estimated 1 in 69 adult U.S. residents were under community supervision at the end of 2021 (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2023). Community supervision of justice involved individuals is an important component of the criminal justice system. This course equips Colorado parole officers, probation officers, and community correction workers with knowledge and skills to identify and address the behavioral health needs of individuals under supervision. Parole officers, probation officers, and community correction workers will examine how utilizing the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) Model in combination with tailoring supervision strategies can reduce recidivism. By leveraging community health resources alongside the RNR Model, officers can more accurately match individuals to appropriate services, reduce recidivism, and support safer, more successful transitions back into the community. This course will have an emphasis on identifying the Need and Responsivity Principles for effective matching of services and resources. Topics include recognizing co-occurring mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and applying trauma-informed care strategies. Upon conclusion of the course, participants will be better prepared to promote recovery in community supervision settings.

People who are incarcerated often face significant challenges when released, including limited employment opportunities, lack of housing and healthcare, as well as dealing with the social stigma and lasting impacts of unfair treatment in society. Reentering the community and reuniting with family can also be stressful for everyone involved. Training family members can positively influence reentry by providing you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the reentry process, minimize conflict, and create a stable, supportive environment for your family.

This introductory course is designed for anyone who works with, or may encounter, justice-involved individuals, providing essential tools to recognize and respond to suicide risk. Using the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) as a framework, the course focuses on identifying risk factors, recognizing key warning signs, and applying crisis management strategies at critical intercept points. While relevant across various justice settings, this training places a stronger emphasis on suicide risk within jails, where individuals often experience heightened vulnerability.