ProGov21 Policy Library

Millions of Americans have one or more forms of mental illness. These conditions have wide-ranging health, economic, and social consequences. For example, mental illness is a major factor in homelessness and incarceration. And serious mental illness - defined as a mental, behavioral,...

The first three years of life are the most sensitive for a child’s developing brain and body. Exposure to chronic stressors during these years can lead to physical, cognitive, and emotional health problems in the future that can be costly for families and society to navigate. This...

Father involvement describes a supportive relationship with high-quality interactions between a father and child. This brief highlights the importance of helping fathers maintain a healthy relationship with their children by describing the links between father involvement and positive...

Law enforcement responses to people with mental illnesses are among the most complex and time-consuming calls for officers, threaten the safety of officers and residents alike, and have the potential for tragic outcomes. Law enforcement and behavioral health agency leaders across...

Although childhood trauma can directly impact a child’s ability to learn, most schools overlook this issue. This brief defines trauma and outlines its potential effects on children and learning. It also outlines staff, organizational, and legislative strategies to shape school culture,...

This report examines how Los Angeles County can reduce incarceration for individuals with mental illness by implementing diversion programs together with supportive housing and assertive community treatment (ACT) programs. These programs have been shown to reduce recidivism. This...

Lead exposure negatively affects childrens’ learning and behavior, and increases government expenditures related to education, health care, and incarceration. The report makes recommendations geared towards preventing elevated lead levels in growing children and inhibiting the development...

This infographic outlines statistics on mental illness across various races, genders, sexual orientations, and more....

This infographic provides statistics on mental illness in America....

A child’s first three years of life is the most rapid and sensitive period of development, and it sets the foundation for long-term health and wellbeing. All children deserve the opportunity to be born healthy and raised in nurturing, stimulating, stable, and secure care environments...

The report examines the state of intervention practices for individuals with mental illness in the criminal justice system and the limitations of current practice. It calls for new approaches focused on prevention, early intervention, comprehensive care, and recovery-oriented practice...