By James Davy and Momina Chaudhry
In partnership with the New Jersey State Policy Lab and the New Jersey Reentry Corporation, the Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration launched an innovative initiative to transform mental health and addiction treatment services for people involved in the justice system in New Jersey. Using the Appreciative Inquiry methodology and the SOAR framework (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, Results), this project engaged over 80 diverse stakeholders through virtual forums and individual surveys to develop comprehensive policy recommendations for systemic change.
The project employed Appreciative Inquiry (AI), a strengths-based approach to organizational and systemic change that focuses on what works rather than what’s broken. Unlike traditional deficit-based approaches, Appreciative Inquiry engages stakeholders in discovering existing strengths and imagining positive futures. The SOAR framework builds on Appreciative Inquiry principles by directing stakeholder attention toward possibilities rather than problems. This approach was particularly powerful as it used anticipatory, future-oriented language to envision and design desired outcomes rather than dwelling on system deficits or gaps.
Critical to the project’s success was its commitment to whole system engagement — bringing together all stakeholders who can influence or are affected by the system’s performance. This included not only representatives of government agencies and service providers, but also individuals involved in the justice system, family members, community leaders, advocates, and front-line staff. By engaging the “whole system” in the policy development process, the project captured diverse perspectives, fostered shared understanding, and built collective commitment to implementation. This inclusive approach ensures that solutions are comprehensive, practical, and supported by those responsible for their success.
The initiative addresses the critical challenge of fragmented service delivery systems that currently impede access to mental health and substance use treatment for individuals involved in the justice system. Upon release from incarceration, many individuals encounter barriers to accessing timely assessment, treatment, and recovery supports, leading to poor outcomes including recidivism, homelessness, and premature mortality.
This groundbreaking collaboration aims to disrupt the current system’s deficits by identifying existing strengths and co-creating transformative solutions through multi-sector stakeholder engagement.
This report represents the collective wisdom and aspirations of diverse stakeholders committed to transforming mental health and addiction treatment services for individuals involved in the justice system in New Jersey. The success of these initiatives will significantly impact individual lives while strengthening communities and improving public safety across the state.
While the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education administers the partnership that funds the New Jersey State Policy Lab, the contents of this report do not necessarily represent the policy of the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education and you should not assume endorsement by the State of New Jersey, elected leadership, or other employees of the State of New Jersey. Any omissions or errors are the sole responsibility of the author(s).
James M. Davy, Ph.D. is a distinguished practitioner in residence at the Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration and Momina Chaudhry is a graduate student pursuing a master of public affairs degree at the Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration.