Health Equity Beyond the Numbers: Justice Involvement Part 2: Poverty and Public Assistance

This data brief focuses specifically on personal or household history of arrest or booking in relation to poverty and accessing public assistance. Data from the 2020–2021 California Health Interview (CHIS) were used in this analysis.

Findings: Compared to adults with no history of arrest or booking, those with any personal or household history were more likely to be living at 200% below the federal poverty line; more likely to be experiencing food insecurity and housing insecurity; and more likely to be recipients of public assistance programs.