The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) Community Mental Health Program has been selected as one of the 10 inaugural sites for the national Criminal Justice-Mental Health Learning Sites Program. This program aims to showcase model examples of collaboration and innovation in addressing the mental health needs of individuals involved in the criminal justice system.
Launched in 2023, the VADOC’s Community Mental Health Program focuses on fostering partnerships and sharing best practices to improve crisis response and mental health services across various stages of the criminal justice system, including courts, jails, reentry, and community supervision. The program is part of the Council of State Governments’ Justice Center and serves as a peer-to-peer learning initiative for law enforcement agencies seeking to enhance responses for individuals with mental health needs.
Chad Dotson, Director of VADOC, expressed pride in the recognition of their agency’s innovative approach to mental health services for individuals on community supervision. Dr. Denise Malone, Chief of Mental Health and Wellness at VADOC, acknowledged the honor of being selected to share their experiences and best practices with other states interested in developing similar community mental health supports through the Council of State Governments.
For more information about the Criminal Justice-Mental Health Learning Sites Program, visit their website at https://csgjusticecenter.org/projects/criminal-justice-mental-health-learning-sites. Furthermore, details about VADOC Mental Health and Wellness services can be found on their website.
