On May 14 and 15, 2024, MCCD co-hosted a Sequential Intercept Model Mapping Workshop for the Rockingham Harrisonburg Justice and Mental Health Collaboration (RHJMHC). The event, which was facilitated by Policy Research Associates (PRA), brought together nearly 50 representatives from dozens of regional organizations in criminal justice, mental health, housing, and social service organizations to map and create action plans for diverting individuals with mental health and substance use disorders from criminal legal system. The sequential intercept model provides a framework for communities to assess resources, identify gaps in services, and create priorities for change at each point in which individuals come into contact with the criminal legal system.

On February 29, 2024, the Madison Center for Community Development hosted a campus talk on 'Criminal Justice Reform and the Role of Drug Courts: Emerging Research Topics,' featuring special guest speaker Dr. Daryll Jackson, a national expert on problem-solving courts. The event was attended by James Madison University students, faculty, and key community stakeholders, including regional drug court coordinators, judges, and Commonwealth attorneys.

Dr. Jackson presented research on the pivotal role of drug courts in criminal justice reform, highlighting best practices to improve treatment access, reduce recidivism among individuals with substance use and cooccurring substance use and mental health disorders, and build healthier communities. The interactive session allowed attendees to engage with the latest research and ask questions, fostering a collaborative and insightful dialogue.

The Madison Center for Community Development was excited to inaugurate this event under its new leadership, marking the first of many future initiatives aimed at advancing community-focused solutions.