One approach to reducing the reach of the criminal legal system on individuals includes developing policies, programs, and practices reducing the reliance on jails. Planning, preparing for, and implementing these strategies takes dedicated coordination and expertise.

Funded by the MacArthur Foundation, the Safety and Justice Challenge aims to change the way America thinks about and uses jails. As part of this work, JSP is collaborating with Safety and Justice Challenge sites in California and providing targeted prerelease MediCal services to individuals in local jails who meet the eligibility criteria. This ensures that individuals leaving incarceration have access to essential healthcare services, addressing their immediate medical needs and promoting continuity of care upon reentry. Leveraging MediCal services reduces the burden on local resources for healthcare provision, leading to more efficient use of taxpayer funds. Additionally, linking individuals with MediCal eligibility to services prior to release supports their successful reintegration into the community, reducing recidivism and enhancing public safety.

This collaborative effort aligns with broader criminal justice reform goals and promotes better outcomes for individuals transitioning from incarceration to the community.