SAMHSA’s GAINS Center for Behavioral Health and Justice Transformation uses its Communities of Practice (CoP) model to work intensively with select communities on topics of critical resonance to the field. Each CoP brings together selected teams for an intensive learning, strategic planning, and implementation process to address local issues and needs within their topic area. The CoPs engage subject-matter experts and facilitate peer-to-peer learning and information sharing.

Each team is offered an intimate and collaborative environment in which to learn and complete its work through a unique blend of onsite and virtual methods. The CoP provides a virtual forum to share with other communities and receive an array of technical assistance from subject-matter experts across the country. The overarching objectives for the CoPs include:

• Enhancing collective knowledge of key issues and familiarity with the topic
• Understanding promising, best, and evidence-based practices to address the topic and related issues
• Developing strategic plans that focus on the issue, including defining assignments, deadlines, and measurable outcomes to be reported
• Increasing knowledge about the challenges and lessons learned in implementing strategies through peer-to-peer sharing

Teams are composed of local stakeholders, selected through a competitive application process.

The application period of the fiscal year (FY) 2021 CoPs is now open.

FY 2021 Communities of Practice

• Building a Competent Crisis Care System at Intercepts 0-1
• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in Reentry
• Engaging Clients for Successful Reentry
• Polysubstance Use

Previous Selected Topics

FY 2020 Communities of Practice

• Competence to Stand Trial/Competence Restoration
• Equity and Inclusion in Adult Drug Courts
• Improving Recovery Support Services for People with Substance Use Disorders Returning from Jail or Prison
• Using the Sequential Intercept Model to Guide Medication-Assisted Treatment Implementation in Adult Drug Courts

Learn more about the FY2020 CoPs.

FY 2019 Communities of Practice

• Competence to Stand Trial/Competence Restoration
• Data-Driven Equity & Inclusion
• Family Treatment Courts
• Improving Risk-Need-Responsivity Policies and Practice in Adult Drug Courts and Reentry Programs
• SAMHSA’s Eight Guiding Principles for Behavioral Health and Criminal Justice

Learn more about the FY 2019 CoPs.