Skip to agency navigation
Skip to main content

Official Website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means its official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Justice Related Services (JRS) are overseen by the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS).

    JRS is responsible for managing the interface between OMHSAS and the criminal justice system. OMHSAS collaborates with involved stakeholders to propose justice-related programs, assist in legislation, provide consultation and provide education and training.

    Justice Related Services Contact

    Jessica Penn Shires
    Department of Human Services
    Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
    Commonwealth Towers, 12th Floor
    303 Walnut Street
    Harrisburg, PA 17101
    Phone: (717) 787-6443
    Fax: (717) 705-8386

    Mental Health and Justice Advisory Committee

    Learn More about the MHJAC

    The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), Office of Criminal Justice System Improvements and the Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) established the Mental Health and Justice Advisory Committee (MHJAC) in the summer of 2009. The establishment of this committee is the result of a Strategic Plan recommendation developed by the Mental Health Task Force of the Commission on Justice Initiatives with the assistance of the Council of State Governments (CSG).

    This advisory committee provides guidance and structure to ensure that Pennsylvania's criminal justice/mental health activities are coordinated statewide and ensures that counties receive the guidance and support necessary to implement effective responses. In partnership with DHS/OMHSAS, the advisory committee includes representatives from state agencies, county leadership, the courts, district attorneys, public defenders, consumers and families as well as other criminal justice and mental health advocates and practitioners from across the Commonwealth.