From Vera Institute of Justice:
Overview
Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, and communities across the country are struggling to respond. But the punitive approach exemplified by the “war on drugs” has driven mass incarceration, exacerbated racial disparities within the criminal justice system, and devastated communities of color. The United States needs a new paradigm that prioritizes community health, harm reduction, and recovery. This report examines the intersection of problematic drug use and the criminal justice system. It offers practical guidance for practitioners, policymakers, and funders by compiling the wide range of interventions that communities can consider to minimize justice system contact for people who use drugs and improve public health and safety.
Key Takeaway
A new path forward requires bold leadership at the local level, where true transformation can occur, and sustained investment in community organizations led by people who are affected directly, centering racial equity and justice in all practices and policies.
Read the Fact Sheet here.
Read the full report here.
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