Improving mental health services and reducing justice system involvement for individuals with behavioral health issues

Evaluation of Stepping Up Efforts to Improve MH Services and Justice Utilization

NIH-funded research George Mason University · NIH-10677888

This study is looking at how well the Stepping Up Initiative helps people with mental health issues get better services instead of ending up in jail, and it’s for anyone interested in improving care for those involved in the criminal justice system.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionGeorge Mason University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Fairfax, United States)
Project IDNIH-10677888 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research evaluates the effectiveness of the Stepping Up Initiative, which aims to enhance mental health services and reduce reliance on the criminal justice system for individuals with behavioral health issues. The study will assess how well this initiative overcomes barriers to implementing evidence-based practices (EBPPs) in various counties across the U.S. By using both quantitative and qualitative methods, the research will gather insights from administrators in jails, probation, and mental health services to understand the impact of interagency collaboration and system integration on service delivery. The goal is to identify strategies that increase access to behavioral health services for those involved in the criminal justice system.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are involved in the criminal justice system and have mental health or behavioral health issues.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have behavioral health issues or are not involved in the criminal justice system may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to mental health services for individuals with behavioral health issues, reducing their involvement in the criminal justice system.

How similar studies have performed: Previous initiatives aimed at integrating mental health services within the criminal justice system have shown promise, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial outcomes.

Where this research is happening

Fairfax, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Mental disordersMental health disordersPsychiatric DiseasePsychiatric Disorderpsychological disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.