Archives and Resources
Past Convenings
Since 2003, Words to Deeds has been California’s premier forum and statewide collaborative for decriminalizing mental illness and preventing people with behavioral health needs from becoming involved with the criminal justice system. Words to Deeds convenings attract more than 100 first adapters, leaders, and key decision-makers to incubate innovative strategies and ideas, promote best-practices, increase collaboration among key partners, and advance public policy and promote justice and health equity across California.
W2D Reports
Words to Deeds reports synthesize shared learnings and elevate solutions for the most pressing issues at the intersection of criminal justice and behavioral health. Past W2D reports have explored an array of topics, including crisis response and the launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, promoting mental wellness among first responders and law enforcement, and data-driven approaches to equipping leaders and decision-makers with practical tools to inform their work.
Criminal Justice Innovation Incubator Webinars
Words to Deeds partnered with the Mental Health Services Oversight & Accountability Commission (MHSOAC) Innovation Incubator to host six webinars that shared lessons, key issues, and resources with state and county leaders to reduce public costs and improve outcomes for individuals with behavioral health needs who are at risk of criminal justice involvement.
Words to Deeds Track at Annual Meetings of the FMHAC
Words to Deeds produced a featured Sessions Track at the Forensic Mental Health Association of California’s (FMHAC) Annual Meeting for eight years, from 2016-2023. During that time, the annual four-session track stressed the importance of collaborative problem-solving, showcasing effective policies and best practices from across the United States and California to reduce criminal justice involvement and promote wellness and recovery for people with behavioral health issues.
External Resources
From legislative reports to research articles and evaluations, we have identified a list of resources that have contributed to shaping the conversation today on decriminalizing mental illness. If you have a resource to share, please email info@wordstodeeds.org and we will consider adding it to the list.