Justice National Action Plan Foundational Resources
The following resources have laid the foundation and show why the action plan is needed
Justice National Action Plan: Foundational Resources
In 2026, the Mental Health Commission of Canada released Finding New Pathways: An Action Plan for Criminal Justice and Mental Health in Canada.
The resources below helped lay the groundwork for the action plan – informing its development, highlighting key challenges, and underscoring the urgent need for coordinated action.
Exploring mental health needs in the criminal justice system
- Existing research and policies on the mental health needs of people who are justice involved, a rapid scoping review developed with the Canadian Mental Health Association
- Infographics depicting key messages from the review
- A summary of the main themes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement as well as the specific mental health needs of priority populations, as identified in the rapid scoping review, key informant interviews, and a national survey
Supporting people who are transitioning from corrections to the community
- A cross-Canada inventory of community-based mental health and substance use services and supports
- A description of the inventory’s development, including a brief overview of the transition from corrections to community, promising practices, and key themes in community needs
Looking at the impact of COVID-19 on corrections
- Infection control measures in correctional settings during COVID and how they impact mental health and substance use, a policy brief for senior-level decision makers
- A two-page infographic with the brief’s key facts, challenges, considerations, and recommendations
- A webinar highlighting the pandemic’s mental health impacts on incarcerated populations, along with recommendations for improving services and supports, today and in the future.