The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has issued a request for proposals for a new initiative that targets the overuse of jails as a major driver and core component of over-incarceration. The deadline to submit a proposal is March 31, 2015.

Through its Safety and Justice Challenge, the foundation will make an initial investment of $75 million over five years in an effort to create national demand for local justice reform as a means of reducing over-incarceration in America.

The challenge will support a network of competitively selected local jurisdictions committed to reducing the over-reliance on jails in their communities. With support from MacArthur and help from a consortium of national experts and technical assistance providers, selected jurisdictions will use the funds to make policy, practice, and system alignment changes designed to reduce their use of jail incarceration, with a particular focus on addressing the disproportionate impact of over-incarceration on low-income individuals and communities of color. Their work also will serve to raise awareness of the problem of the overuse of jails and demonstrate alternatives to incarceration.

The foundation will host three webinars on the competition and application process on February 25, February 26, and March 3. Registration is required.

Containing Health Care Costs

The Center for State and Local Government Excellence released a health care strategies report in December 2014 that includes two case studies about county governments that have saved considerable health care costs by helping their justice-involved population gain access to health care. Both Hampden County, Massachusetts, and Buncombe County, North Carolina, have reduced their jail populations as a result of their health care policies by, for example, diverting individuals into mental health or substance abuse programs, rather than putting them in jail.  

ICMA is offering a webinar, Rising Health Care Costs and Strategies for Local Governments, on March 25 that will cover the health care cost containment cases and survey findings included in the Center's report.