The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) Mental Health Network (MHN) reconvened for its in-person meeting at the National Corrections Academy in Aurora, CO, on June 9-11, 2026. The MHN comprises directors and chiefs of mental health services with one representative from each of the 50 states, District of Columbia, Federal Bureau of Prisons, and the six largest jail systems. This year, network members engaged in meaningful, thought-provoking dialogue and shared information and promising practices across systems. The 3-day convening was also enhanced by providing quality presentations each day that offered continuing education units to the members present.
The mission of the Mental Health Network (MHN) is to establish, support, and advance correctional mental and behavioral health standards in order to appropriately deliver constitutionally adequate and effective services to an offender population. MHN members have expertise in the delivery of correctional mental and behavioral health services, and they seek to advance this scientific field of study through innovative research strategies, training, and dissemination of knowledge concerning evidence-based and best practices. The MHN strives to be the premier organization that correctional leaders turn to for guidance concerning mental and behavioral health questions, concerns, and affirmation.
