Stepping Up Initiative

About the Stepping Up Initiative

The Stepping Up Initiative is a national endeavor led by the National Association of Counties, American Psychiatric Association and Council of State Governments Justice Center to reduce the number of individuals experiencing symptoms of mental Illness in jails.

Durham County joined the national movement in 2019 and is committed to implementing data-driven programs and policies that connect individuals to the care they need. By serving individuals with behavioral health needs at risk of incarceration, we produce better outcomes for this population, and a safer and healthier community.

The Durham County Stepping Up Initiative Committee focus areas are:

• Prevent the initial involvement of individuals with behavioral health needs in the justice system.
• Reduce the admission of individuals with behavioral health needs in the justice system.
• Engage individuals with behavioral health needs in the justice system.
• Reduce the amount of time individuals with behavioral health spend in jail.
• Link individuals with behavioral health needs to treatment upon release.
• Reduce the rate of return to jail for individuals with behavioral health needs.