Report of the Joint Commission on Health Care to study treatment options for offenders who have mental illness or substance abuse disorders to the Governor and the General Assembly of Virginia

This report was published in 2004 by the Virginia Joint Commission on Health Care to address the pressing systemic challenge of managing incarcerated individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues. At the time, Virginia, like many states, was grappling with the consequences of shifting public policy that led to an increased population of inmates with psychiatric needs who were often underserved by existing correctional infrastructure.

The document represents a formal legislative inquiry, intended to provide data-driven recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly. It reflects the administrative style of official state government publications from the era, prioritizing clarity and bureaucratic utility over aesthetic design. It was intended as a functional resource for policymakers to facilitate informed discussions on budget allocation and treatment mandates for state facilities.