Los Angeles city and county leaders on Thursday launched a legal services program that helps homeless people resolve legal problems that could limit their access to housing and social services.
The Community Care Court, the first of its kind in the city, aims to streamline the criminal justice process for homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless. Provides various legal assistance services, such as resolving outstanding fines, fees, and misdemeanors, expunging convictions, and clearing court orders, while connecting participants to other much-needed services and employment opportunities.
Established six months ago as a pilot program, the Community Care Court has helped about 190 people, including those at risk of losing their homes, officials said. The official launch marked the end of the program's pilot status.
“When homeless people are summoned to court, they are often reluctant to appear in court because they do not have a place to store their belongings or they are afraid of losing them,” said the Los Angeles City Attorney. Hydee Feldstein Soto, whose office is leading the program. “This is our effort to bring our courts directly to the community to help resolve these challenges.”
The Community Outreach Court is a collaborative effort that includes the Los Angeles County Superior Court, the Los Angeles Mayor's Office, the County Public Defender's Office, and the County Alternate Public Defender's Office.
