By C1 Staff
LOS ANGELES — For nonviolent offenders who are chronically homeless or mentally ill, a pilot program in Los Angeles County could offer the chance for housing and treatment instead of jail time.
The Los Angeles Register reports that the Third District Diversion and Alternative Sentencing Program will allow qualifying low-level offenders to receive treatment at the San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center and will be placed in transitional housing.
The $756,000-a-year program, which launched in Van Nuys last week, will serve as a model for other potential programs in the county.
Officials say more than 3,500 county inmates are diagnosed with mental illness, and many of those defendants spend more time in custody because they’re unable to make bail or attend court proceedings.
Under the program, qualifying offenders who have committed misdemeanors or low-level felonies will be screened and offered the chance to participate before charges are filed.
Participants will be released to San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center, placed in transitional housing, and offered support services, including mental health and job counseling.
Misdemeanor offenders who successfully complete the 90-day program will see their charges cleared from their record. Qualifying felons will be required to plead guilty or no contest to their charges and complete an 18-month program.