The National GAINS Center for Evidence-Based Programs (EBP) in the Justice System is committed to the goal of transforming the nation's fragmented mental health system and developing a recovery-oriented, consumer-driven system of care as described in the report of the President's New Freedom Commission. The GAINS EBP Center is uniquely poised to help states forge collaborations among the mental health, substance abuse, and criminal justice systems. To accomplish this, the GAINS EBP Center will develop a comprehensive plan of information dissemination, knowledge application and technical assistance strategies to further the implementation of evidence-based programs in the justice system. The GAINS EBP Center supports and engages in creative initiatives and collaboration with public and private organizations to effectively address the evolving needs of state and local planning and coordination.