Mistaken Assumptions in Addressing Racial Disparities in Behavioral Health Applied to Criminal Justice

Abstract

People of color are disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system. Many jurisdictions attempt to reduce racial disparities; however, they often do not incorporate strategies to effectively address institutional and structural racism. Resulting data reveal no effect or an exacerbating effect on disparities. This commentary attempts to translate three mistaken assumptions from the field of behavioral health, so that they apply to criminal justice system reforms. The mistaken assumptions for criminal justice are that system-wide reform efforts will naturally reduce disparities, current reforms meet the needs of diverse communities, and evidence-based practices have been tested for their impact on diverse groups. These may be countered with the following recommendations: apply critical race theory, respond to communities' needs, and adapt evidence-based practices.