Mental Health World Conference 2026

Abstract

In the United States, over 20percent of its population (roughly 61 million) experiences some form of mental illness every year. The statistics for those involved in the criminal justice system are far more concerning Approximately 44percent of people in local jails and 37percent of people in state and federal prisons have a history of mental illness. Additionally, multiple studies have shown that inmates with a history of mental illness have significantly higher re arrest and re conviction rates.

The City of Anaheim, California, home to over 300,000 residents, Disneyland, and multiple professional sports teams, is responsible for thousands of prosecutions annually. In recognizing the statistical relevance of repeat criminal offenders with substance use and mental health concerns, Anaheim created its ACCESS program in January 2023 to combat the revolving door of prosecutions of this unique population.

ACCESS consists of a multidisciplinary team that includes a prosecutor, mental health professionals, and those with lived experience that provide enhanced care management services. ACCESS team members are present at every court date to provide intensive support, treatment coordination, and to ensure treatment goals emphasizing housing and mental health assistance are met. The program aims to stabilize participants by ensuring they are safely housed, medication and treatment-compliant, and free from substance use. By the end of the program, successful participants have not only addressed their housing, mental health, and substance use concerns but have also earned the opportunity for reduced or dismissed criminal charges. Ensuring these core concerns are adequately addressed is foundational to protect against subsequent criminal behavior.

This presentation will outline the operational structure of ACCESS, discuss collaborative strategies among its partners (including those with lived experience), and highlight outcomes demonstrating the impact of a collaborative, problem solving approach in addressing root causes of mental health concerns, addiction, and homelessness amongst the justice involved.