2025 Convening

For more than 20 years, thought leaders, policymakers, and practitioners have convened at Words to Deeds to define progress toward reducing criminal justice involvement for people with behavioral health needs in California.

This year’s convening will spotlight proven cross-departmental implementation strategies in behavioral health and public safety. Words to Deeds 2025 will create a peer-to-peer space where counties can share successes and challenges, supporting each other in advancing the most pressing needs at this critical intersection. Third Sector is co-hosting Words to Deeds 2025 in collaboration with the Commission for Behavioral Health.

The convening will be held at the Center for Health Communities, part of The California Endowment at 1000 Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Join us for dynamic presentations and multidisciplinary discussions among agency and organization leaders in criminal justice and corrections, state and local governments, the judiciary, and behavioral health directors and providers. 

Agenda Overview

• Examine cross-system strategies for integrating behavioral health and criminal justice systems, with a focus on forensic care, reentry, diversion, and supportive housing.
• Learn from county and state leaders implementing new policies, including Care Court, Prop 36, Incompetent to Stand Trial improvements, and CalAIM’s Justice-Involved Initiative.
• Identify actionable solutions for counties to implement through data, lived experience, and early implementation lessons that strengthen coordination across behavioral health, justice, and housing systems.

If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about Words to Deeds, including opportunities to become a supporter, please email info@wordstodeeds.org.

Review last year’s convening: W2D24: Establishing Metrics to Measure Success: Diversion, Data, and Accountability.