Criminal Justice

The CSG Justice Center develops research-driven strategies to increase public safety and strengthen communities. Learn More

US Legal, Inc provides legal information in the form of Questions & Answers, Definitions, Articles, Blogs and Reporting on various subjects in the United States legal field. You can also find an attorney or buy legal forms for Pro Se representation. US Legal seeks to simplify and break down the barriers to legal information. Learn More

Nolo is the nation’s oldest and most respected provider of legal information for consumers and small businesses. Find plain-English definitions for legal terms by browsing Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary. Learn More

The Reentry Policy Council (RPC) was established in 2001 to assist state government officials grappling with the increasing number of people leaving prisons and jails to return to the communities they left behind.

Friends Outside is a nonprofit community-based organization that has been providing programs and services to families and individuals involved in the criminal justice system since 1955. Learn More

The CAMHPRA’s manual is intended to provide accurate general information regarding legal rights. It does not constitute legal advice. Because laws & legal procedures are subject to frequent change and differing interpretations, CAMHPRA cannot ensure the information in the manual is current nor be responsible for any use to which it is put. Do not rely on this information without first consulting with an attorney or the patients’ rights office in your area regarding your particular situation. Read the CAMHPRA Manual

The American system of government is founded on two counterbalancing principles: that the majority of the people governs, through democratically elected representatives; and that the power even of a democratic majority must be limited, to ensure individual rights. Learn More

NAMI California maintains AB-1424 forms by county that can assist you in helping a mentally ill family member who has been hospitalized for involuntary treatment. These forms allow family members to provide vital information to medical personnel regarding the condition of a loved one.

NAMI California maintains guides and forms as best as possible listed by county that can assist you in helping a friend or family member with a serious mental illness who has been arrested. These “guides” provide step-by-step procedures to assist in navigating the criminal justice system of each county. Click on the links below to access the county websites. Print the Arrested Guide including the Inmate Medication Information Form (if available). Click on the Medication Form link to display and print only the form.

NAMI California maintains Inmate Mental Health Information Forms (with instructions for each site) listed by prison location that can be used to inform prison clinical staff of psychiatric diagnosis, medication, and medical information regarding a person with a serious mental illness who has been transferred from the county jail to a Reception Center prison. Click on the links below to access the prison website. Print the Inmate Mental Health Information Form and accompanying instructions for the correct prison site, complete, and fax.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has responsibility for enhancing public safety through safe and secure incarceration of offenders, effective parole supervision, and rehabilitative strategies to successfully reintegrate offenders into our communities. CDCR’s website contains a wealth of information about state prisons, visitation, services, and programs. Information and guidelines for CDCR’s Visiting Program. Learn More

A list of California Crisis Intervention Training/Programs, organized by county. Download PDF

A list Behavioral and Mental Health Courts in California. Download PDF