Addressing Criminal Legal System Health Inequities Through Redirection

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Equity
• Social Determinants of Health

Background:

• Criminal legal and youth delinquent systems (CL/DS) are significant sources of racial/ethnic inequity (REI) in health.
• While some progress is being made in addressing CL/DS as a social determinant of health, current efforts often overlook systemic issues.
• Reducing CL/DS-linked health inequities necessitates a deeper understanding of complex system dynamics and barriers to change.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate qualitative and quantitative research on CL/DS redirection practices in New Mexico.
• To identify sources of REI within CL/DS redirection.
• To explore the impact of public health and public safety collaboration on REI reduction.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed.
• Evaluation of ongoing research in New Mexico focusing on redirection practices.
• Analysis of sources of REI in redirection and barriers to equity.

Main Results:

• Racial/ethnic inequity (REI) stems from CL/DS redirection practices.
• Collaboration between public health and public safety can influence REI.
• Divergent values and strategies present barriers to reducing REI.

Conclusions:

• Effective reduction of CL/DS-linked health inequities requires addressing root causes and system dynamics.
• Enhanced collaboration and strategic partnerships are vital for reducing health disparities.
• Reducing siloing and promoting health equity through CL/DS redirection requires foundational work.