In an innovative move to address the city's homelessness issue, Santa Monica has launched a program designed to offer individuals caught up in low-level misdemeanors a second chance. The Shelter, Treatment, and Empowerment Program, or STEP Court, rolled out in Santa Monica as an attempt to tackle the city's strategic priority of Addressing Homelessness, reported a recent press release.
STEP Court, a diversion initiative set into motion on Jan. 10, offers qualifying homeless folks an alternative path. Those dealing with mental health or substance abuse complications could see their misdemeanors addressed with support services rather than time behind bars. According to Santa Monica's official statement, this approach could streamline their access to resources like health treatment and housing assistance.
The program is expected to be in session every second Wednesday of the month, led by a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge in a non-traditional court setting. Resource navigators from Exodus Recovery, Inc. will be on hand to guide participants toward necessary services, ensuring they're equipped to follow the court's recommendations.
"A diversion program like STEP Court focuses on helping people off the streets and reclaim their lives through resource navigation rather than continued punitive measures," Mayor Phil Brock mentioned. In the inaugural session of STEP Court, a total of five individuals participated, and four have agreed to pursue the help offered, poised to demonstrate their progress at next month's court date.
Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, Samantha P. Jessner, spoke highly of this development, noting, "STEP Court represents forward-thinking, collaborative justice, and reflects the court's commitment to work with justice partners and elected officials to address the county's homelessness crisis." Her sentiments were echoed in the Santa Monica press release.
The initiative is funded through a Department of Justice grant, with additional support from the State Bar of California and federal funds, ensuring its operation for the next three years. This comes as a part of Santa Monica's broader effort to offer diversion programs as an alternative to traditional justice system outcomes for their homeless population.
