The pre-release Medicaid waiver is a major opportunity for states to close the health equity gap for formerly incarcerated individuals and help those leaving incarceration thrive in their home communities.
Low-income youth are disproportionately exposed to structural disadvantage and trauma with lasting implications for their mental health. In many cases, systemic barriers prevent them from accessing formal behavioral health services. As a result, youth frequently rely on informal support systems as they work to complete education and career pathways that lead to economic security. Together with youth advocates, mental health experts, and community leaders, CLASP advocates for policy reform and community innovations that reduce the prevalence of adverse experiences, increase access to needed behavioral health supports, and move young people towards wellbeing.
Young adults living in poverty experience trauma and structural disadvantage that has lifelong consequences. Moreover, they struggle to access formal mental health supports. They have to rely on peer networks and community-based programs to cope.
