The importance of advancing our collective understanding of addiction and mental healthcare within the justice system cannot be overstated. Individuals involved in the adult and juvenile justice systems often face myriad challenges, particularly when it comes to substance use disorders and mental illness. These challenges are exacerbated by the disjointed nature of care that many experience. By enhancing our understanding in this area, we can bridge the gaps in care and access to care, ultimately leading to improved health and safety outcomes for individuals.

The importance of continuity of care for individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental illnesses is well established. Research has highlighted the efficacy of integrated treatment approaches that combine mental health and addiction services, thus providing a more comprehensive model of care. Additionally, there has been a growing acknowledgment of the role of trauma exposure and complex histories in criminal justice system involvement. Programs that utilize peer support and mentorship have also emerged, demonstrating that lived experience can be a powerful tool in guiding individuals toward recovery.

Despite these advancements, there is still much work to be done in developing and disseminating effective interventions addressing the independent and combined influence of substance use and mental illness on criminal justice outcomes. For instance, research on delivery mechanism, such as technology-based interventions could enhance access to care. Additionally, research into the social determinants of health can inform targeted interventions that address the systemic barriers faced by marginalized populations. Furthermore, by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and focusing on translational science, we can create a more effective and equitable justice system that promotes health and well-being.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Advancing health equity for justice-involved people with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders

• Clients’ perspectives of and experiences with recovery interventions

• Implementation of recovery strategies

• Community-based integrated treatment models for substance use and co-occurring mental illness

• Best practices for peer support and mentorship programs

• Defining, implementing, and evaluating trauma-informed approaches in criminal justice settings

• Research on delivery mechanisms, such as technology-based interventions

• Developing and testing implementation strategies to bridge the gap between research and practice in justice settings

• The role of social determinants of health in criminal justice system involvement among this population

• Policy implications for addiction and mental health care

• Barriers to care post-incarceration.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3, Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 10, Reduced Inequalities.

All submissions in this collection undergo the journal’s standard peer review process. Similarly, all manuscripts authored by a Guest Editor(s) will be handled by the Editor-in-Chief. As an open access publication, this journal levies an article processing fee (details here). We recognize that many key stakeholders may not have access to such resources and are committed to supporting participation in this issue wherever resources are a barrier. For more information about what support may be available, please visit OA funding and support, or email OAfundingpolicy@springernature.com or the Editor-in-Chief.

Understanding the health needs of justice-involved individuals requires research approaches that are both ethically sound and methodologically robust. As the intersection of health and justice continues to evolve, it is essential to explore innovative strategies for conducting research in carceral contexts—particularly those that center the voices and experiences of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated populations.

This Collection focuses on survey methodology and qualitative research, and implementation science in correctional health settings, highlighting the ethical, methodological, and practical challenges researchers face. From navigating informed consent and institutional review processes to adapting data collection tools for constrained environments, the Collection aims to showcase creative approaches that uphold research integrity while generating meaningful insights.

We welcome contributions that explore novel research designs, participatory methods, and ethical frameworks that advance the field of carceral health research. We also welcome studies employing randomized controlled trials and implementation science frameworks to evaluate, scale, and sustain health interventions in carceral contexts. Submissions may address:

Innovative survey instruments tailored to carceral populations

Qualitative research approaches (e.g., ethnography, interviews, focus groups)

Ethical considerations in research with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals

Mental health and substance use research methodologies

Data collection and analysis in secure environments

Trauma-informed and culturally responsive research practices

Community reintegration and longitudinal follow-up strategies

Evaluation of health interventions using mixed methods

Implementation science frameworks and approaches for testing and sustaining health interventions.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3, Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 10, Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 16, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

All submissions in this collection undergo the journal’s standard peer review process. Similarly, all manuscripts authored by a Guest Editor(s) will be handled by the Editor-in-Chief. As an open access publication, this journal levies an article processing fee (details here). We recognize that many key stakeholders may not have access to such resources and are committed to supporting participation in this issue wherever resources are a barrier. For more information about what support may be available, please visit OA funding and support, or email OAfundingpolicy@springernature.com or the Editor-in-Chief.