The Who, What, and How of Interagency Criminal Justice–Behavioral Health Teams: Developing and Sustaining Collaborations

Abstract

Interagency teams are considered an evidence-based change practice, but there is a paucity of research examining them in criminal justice (CJ) and behavioral health (BH) reform contexts. This study draws on qualitative interviews ( n = 52) and survey data ( n = 791) from BH and CJ leaders across the United States to examine who is on them, what they do, and effective strategies for building and sustaining them. Findings indicated that CJ–BH interagency teams often incorporate agencies from a range of CJ, BH, social service, and health agencies. Teamwork focused on connecting clients to resources or contributing to CJ–BH coalitions and resource centers. Although the team-building strategies learning about/from other agencies and system integration were significantly associated with developing more collaborations, consensus-building activities were not. These findings suggest that interagency teams need not necessarily reach consensus on goals and vision prior to working together, as this can be built through collaboration.