SAMHSA’s GAINS Center for Behavioral Health and Justice Transformation, operated by Policy Research Associates, Inc., provides direct training and technical assistance to jurisdictions across the nation to better support people with behavioral health needs who are involved in the criminal justice system. The GAINS Center’s Learning Collaborative model brings together local jurisdiction teams to create coordinated local strategic plans and implementation strategies for a focus topic. Selected teams for each LC will work intensively to determine optimal ways to implement best practices and define success indicators for their respective Learning Collaborative. Each topic-specific Learning Collaborative engages subject-matter experts to work with jurisdiction teams during the implementation process and facilitate peer-to-peer sharing.

The Learning Collaboratives (formerly known as Communities of Practice, or CoPs) are designed to achieve four key objectives:

  • Enhance collective knowledge of key issues and familiarity with the topic
  • Understand promising, best, and evidence-based practices to address the topic and related issues
  • Develop strategic plans that focus on the issue, including defining assignments, deadlines, and measurable outcomes to be reported
  • Increase knowledge about the challenges and lessons learned in implementing strategies through peer-to-peer sharing via virtual convenings, monthly collaborative calls, and other virtual mechanisms

Teams are composed of local decision makers, selected through a competitive application process. For updates on future opportunities, join the GAINS Center mailing list.

Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Learning Collaboratives

  • Trauma-Informed Treatment Courts: The primary goal of the Trauma-Informed Treatment Courts LC is for teams to develop strategic plans to advance policies and practices on trauma-informed treatment court programs.
  • Peer Integration in Treatment Courts: The primary goal of the Peer Integration in Treatment Courts LC is for teams to develop strategic plans to advance policies and practices on integrating peer staff into treatment court teams.
  • Data-Driven Strategies for Reducing Frequent Systems Engagement: The primary goal of the Data-Driven Strategies for Reducing Frequent Systems Engagement LC is for teams to develop strategic plans to improve local systems structures and collaboration to better support individuals frequently using emergency or crisis-level services.
  • Addressing the Housing Needs of People with Behavioral Health Conditions Who Are Justice-Involved: The primary goal of the Addressing the Housing Needs of People with Behavioral Health Conditions Who Are Justice-Involved LC is for selected teams to develop strategic plans to enhance local systems structures and collaboration to improve access to the critical housing services necessary to support people in recovery in the community

Previously Selected Topics

FY 2022 Learning Collaboratives

FY 2021 Communities of Practice

Community of Practice National Webinar Series: Competence to Stand Trial

FY 2020 Communities of Practice

FY 2019 Learning Collaboratives