CNCounty News

Podcast: Mental health and the criminal justice system

Podcast

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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DOJ announces $211 million in grants for county criminal justice systems focused on reentry and mental health treatment

The Department of Justice announced $211 million in grant opportunities for counties to improve their criminal justice systems, specifically reentry, substance use, crisis response and behavioral health programs.

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Senate Confirms New FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton

The U.S. Senate Confirmed Cameron Hamilton as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator, re-establishing a leader for the agency which faced significant staffing cuts in recent years. 

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Senators Introduce a Bill to Extend Assistance to Counties for Rebuilding After Natural Disasters

Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) introduced a bill to extend the amount of time in which counties can access FEMA funds to pay disaster repair and reconstruction workers to up to two years following a natural disaster. This bill would provide increased flexibility and support for counties as they lead the front lines of disaster recovery. 

Upcoming Events

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Conference

2026 Fall Board of Directors Meeting and Building Better Futures: A County Leaders' Symposium on Youth Outcomes

Mecklenburg Co., N.C.

Hosted by NACo President George Dunlap as part of his presidential spotlight, in partnership with NACo’s Board of Directors and Large Urban County Caucus, the event will focus on practical strategies and collaborative approaches that counties can advance at the local level—from proven prevention and early intervention models to cross-sector partnerships that align resources and expand opportunity.