The Michigan Supreme Court announced on May 6 that it will present three local workshops across Michigan in May and June focused on the Sequential Intercept Mapping process. The sessions aim to help individuals with behavioral health needs who are involved in, or at risk of entering, the criminal justice system.
The initiative is significant as it seeks to connect people with mental and substance use disorders to treatment rather than allowing them to move deeper into the criminal justice system. The workshops will be hosted by local judges and bring together stakeholders from various sectors, including law enforcement, hospitals, mental health agencies, jails, corrections, and county prosecutors’ offices. Additional participants may include schools, shelters, food banks, legal guardians ad litem, and foster care representatives.
Chief Justice Megan K. Cavanagh said: “Bringing together leaders in behavioral health and the justice system is essential to ensuring that individuals with significant needs are connected to treatment rather than cycling deeper into the criminal justice system. These SIM workshops will help communities identify gaps, strengthen collaboration, and build sustainable pathways that promote both public safety and individual well‑being.”
Sequential Intercept Mapping is a conceptual model used to inform community-based responses for people with mental or substance use disorders who come into contact with the criminal justice system. The mapping process identifies key points—called intercepts—ranging from crisis care through law enforcement encounters to courts and reentry services.
According to the court’s announcement, these upcoming workshops build on previous efforts in Wayne County where similar SIM workshops have been held multiple times for both adults and juveniles.
The Michigan Supreme Court has provided additional information online about its ongoing behavioral health initiatives within the judiciary.
