PHX Reporter

The City of Phoenix is proud to announce its new Community Court, which will provide long-term solutions and services for people experiencing homelessness as an alternative path to the traditional criminal justice system.

Community Court will provide individuals experiencing homelessness who are accused of misdemeanor offenses the opportunity to connect with resources and establish stable housing through a customized plan.  

“Rather than perpetuate a cyclical approach of an unsheltered individuals’ involvement in the criminal justice system due to misdemeanor offenses, the Community Court will enable us to empower individuals to make meaningful changes in their lives and ultimately end their homelessness,” said Mayor Kate Gallego. “I am very excited to celebrate the successes from the program soon, and want to thank Councilwoman O’Brien for her leadership on this, as well as the City of Phoenix Office of Homeless Solutions, City of Phoenix Prosecutor’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, and Community Bridges, Inc. for their work to make this program possible.”  

“After a year of working directly with staff to craft the Community Court program, I am thrilled to see it officially open and being used as a new avenue to help connect people to the services they need to lift themselves out of homelessness,” said Councilwoman Ann O’Brien. “This new court will give the opportunity for homeless offenders to choose to accept services and work towards success or follow the path of the traditional justice system. We can hold people accountable and be compassionate. This court does that.”  

"Those experiencing homelessness often struggle through the traditional justice system and have limited opportunities for crucial services," said Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari. "That is where the Phoenix Community Court comes in. This specialty court is based on best practices throughout the country and will be a sign of hope for folks experiencing homelessness".  

Community Court is a joint effort between several City departments including, the Municipal Court, Prosecutor’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, and the Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS), along with nonprofit Community Bridges, Inc. After an individual is cited or arrested, the Prosecutor’s Office will determine if they are qualified to participate in Community Court, based on their criminal history and the charges they are facing. Individuals charged with felonies or other violent crimes will not be eligible.  

Community Court participants will be assigned a caseworker who will assist them through their court process. The navigators will develop an individualized plan for each client, which will identify personal goals to help them get on the path to ending their homelessness.  

“The Office of Homeless Solutions is continuously working on innovative approaches to address homelessness in our community. This Community Court partnership is just one example of these efforts,” said Scott Hall, Deputy Director of the Office of Homeless Solutions. “This program gives people direct access to vital resources as we continue our commitment to increasing shelter and affordable housing while also developing strategic solutions to prevent homelessness.”  

“Community Bridges is honored to partner with the City of Phoenix on the development of the Community Court model,” said John Hogeboom, President and CEO of Community Bridges, Inc. “We believe that a partnership between justice, government, behavioral health, and other key stakeholders is key to resolving community issues that impact us all.”  

Participants who successfully complete their individualized plans will graduate from Community Court with their charges resolved or reduced. If an offender does not complete their plan, their case will return to regular court proceedings.  

“Our goal in all cases is to achieve outcomes that rehabilitate instead of debilitate,” said James Sampanes, City Prosecutor. “For those who opt in to Community Court, the key to success will be putting in the work and taking meaningful steps to change their lives. If they choose not to participate, they will face criminal consequences based on the crime and their criminal history, just like anyone else would.”  

“I see Community Court as an opportunity for clients in need of services to escape the grueling cycle of homelessness,” said David Ward, Director of the Public Defender’s Office. "By providing supportive services such as navigation, counseling, workforce development, and housing, in exchange for more favorable case resolutions, we are setting clients up for success.”  

Phoenix Specialty Courts Website

Office of Homeless Solutions Website

Original source can be found here.