Podcast: Mental health and the criminal justice system
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Miami-Dade County, Fla. Administrative Judge Steve Leifman joined the County News Podcast to outline systems that can be put in place in counties across the country — often using existing resources and without the need for new laws or regulations — to help direct people in mental health distress toward resources that will help them receive the treatment they need while also making better use of resources counties are otherwise spending on jail operations and expansion.
County News Podcast
Take a deep dive on issues impacting local governments across the country, share in lessons on leadership from county leaders and their counterparts in Washington, and learn more about what it takes to strengthen America's counties on the County News Podcast.
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Law enforcement, mental health pros collaborate in Virginia county
Henrico County, Va.’s crisis response continuum brings together law enforcement and behavioral health professionals to de-escalate mental health crises and avoid unnecessary incarcerations and hospitalizations.

Michelle Alyssa Go Act reintroduced in the 119th Congress, a critical step for county behavioral health systems
On September 18, the Michelle Alyssa Go Act was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bipartisan legislation aims to increase the number of federal Medicaid-eligible in-patient psychiatric beds from 16 to 36, providing critical support for individuals seeking treatment for mental health and substance use disorders.

Congress passes SUPPORT Act reauthorization
On September 18, the U.S. Senate passed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 (SUPPORT Act Reauthorization) (H.R. 2483) by voice vote, following House passage earlier this year. With strong bipartisan backing in both chambers, the legislation now heads to the President’s desk for signature.
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Community Care: How Counties Leverage Real-Time Technology to Improve Behavioral Health
In this webinar, we’ll explore how counties can harness behavioral health empower providers and community stakeholders to help streamline care collaboration and improve outcomes for the communities they serve.