Criminal Justice and Prevention: A Shared Approach to Addressing Substance Use - SAMHSA

Criminal Justice and Prevention: A Shared Approach to Addressing Substance Use explores how prevention professionals and adult criminal justice agencies can work together to address substance use and related harms. It organizes collaboration opportunities around law enforcement contact, court involvement, incarceration, and community supervision and reentry. Topics include diversion, screening and referrals, overdose prevention, access to medications for opioid use disorder, and peer support. Practical examples describe staff training, prevention education, and connections to community services. The resource also addresses partnership challenges and offers collaboration tips and a glossary of criminal justice terms. It can support staff education, community planning, and coordination among prevention organizations, courts, correctional facilities, and reentry programs.