Comprehensive Community Responses to Substance Use Disorder

• In Event: Treating Justice-Involved Persons for Substance Use and Misuse

Abstract

Rates of substance use disorder are high among people involved with the criminal legal system, and they are at elevated risk for overdose. The CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance (CUNY ISLG) is using a mixed-method approach to assess strategies in six Pennsylvania counties to reduce overdose death among two highly vulnerable groups: people on probation and individuals recently released from incarceration. Findings to date have revealed both challenges and successes related to implementation across sites. Sites reported persistent transportation and housing shortages, which continue to hinder clients' ability to go about daily activities or secure safe and affordable housing. Additionally, while many sites have successfully removed some administrative barriers through continuity of client case management, significant administrative obstacles remain and slow down the timeliness and effectiveness of their work. Finally, sites reported a lack of staff and funding which limits their ability to implement strategies to their full potential. Encouragingly, sites have found that implementation of their strategies has increase cooperation among departments and organizations. This ability to work together has positively impacted client support and overall program effectiveness.

Authors

• Alexis Peachey, Institute for State and Local Governance (ISLG)

• Samantha Parker, CUNY ISLG