This newsletter article written by SAMHSA’s GAINS Center discusses the ways in which the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) Mapping Workshops can be leveraged to address diversity, equity, and inclusion in the criminal justice and behavioral health systems. Communities can leverage these tools to promote equitable and inclusive systems change.

SIM Mapping Workshops present opportunities to educate criminal justice and behavioral health stakeholders about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the criminal justice and behavioral health systems. In addition, facilitators can work with communities to develop strategies for identifying and addressing a variety of disparities and inequities found across the SIM, including the following:

  • Intercepts 0 and 1: Access to treatment and support services in the community (particularly those that are culturally responsive) disparities, law enforcement contact and arrest rates, and referrals to diversion programs and services.
  • Intercepts 2 and 3: Bail and pre-trial release disparities; higher prevalence of incarceration, financial hardship due to fees, phone calls, and essential items; lower rates of drug court admission and graduation; and longer jail and prison sentences.
  • Intercepts 4 and 5: Reentry planning disparities, higher rates of probation and parole violations, and revocations.

Many inequities and disparities exist and have always existed for people with mental and substance use disorders who are involved in the criminal justice and behavioral health systems. Identifying intercepts for diversion and treatment to rectify these inequities drove the development of the SIM. Compared to people without mental and substance use disorders, people with mental and substance use disorders are in contact with the criminal justice system at a greater frequency, penetrate deeper into it, and experience worse outcomes. These inequities and disparities are further magnified in Black, Latinx, and Indigenous communities. Due to their unique structure and participatory nature, the SIM and the SIM Mapping Workshops are critical tools to address diversity, equity, and inclusion within the criminal justice and behavioral health systems.

  • Associated Mappings:
    • Sequential Intercept Model Mapping Workshops

This resource was first shared in 2021.

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