JCOD Launches Rapid Diversion Program at San Fernando Courthouse, Expanding Access to Pretrial Behavioral Health Diversion

LOS ANGELES — The Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD) has launched its Rapid Diversion Program (RDP) at the San Fernando Courthouse, expanding access to pretrial behavioral health diversion for individuals with mental health or substance use needs.

The addition of San Fernando marks another milestone for Los Angeles County’s pretrial diversion efforts, with the program now operating at eight courthouses Countywide. The JCOD Rapid Diversion Program officially launched at the San Fernando Courthouse on Dec. 4, 2025.

The expansion supports Los Angeles County’s goals to:

• Increase access to treatment-based alternatives for justice-involved individuals with mental health and/or substance use needs
• Engage individuals earlier in the criminal court process
• Advance a justice approach that prioritizes treatment, accountability and public safety

JCOD RDP is a pretrial mental health diversion program authorized under California Penal Code Section 1001.36. The program serves eligible individuals whose mental health or substance use conditions were a significant factor contributing to their criminal charges. Through early intervention, participants are connected to clinical treatment, case management and supportive services in lieu of prosecution.

Clinical services at the San Fernando Courthouse are provided by Project 180. The provider’s multidisciplinary team brings extensive experience in behavioral health treatment, court-based services, substance use disorder care and lived experience.

The successful implementation of JCOD RDP at San Fernando is supported by collaboration with key justice partners, including the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office and the Los Angeles County Office of the Alternate Public Defender and Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office.

“Expanding the Rapid Diversion Program to the San Fernando Courthouse is a meaningful step toward a justice system that treats behavioral health needs with care, urgency, and dignity,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “By connecting people to treatment early—rather than cycling them deeper into the system without proper support—we improve outcomes for individuals, strengthen public safety, and invest in healthier communities across Los Angeles County. This progress is possible because of the strong collaboration across our courts, justice partners, and community providers.”

“JCOD’s Rapid Diversion Program reflects our commitment to addressing behavioral health needs early in the court process while maintaining accountability and public safety,” said JCOD Director Judge Songhai Armstead (Ret.). “This expansion is the result of the dedicated work of our staff, clinical providers, justice partners and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, whose collaboration and support makes it possible to connect individuals to treatment, housing and resources at a critical point in their case.”

“The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office strongly supports JCOD’s Rapid Diversion Program for the low-level, non-violent offenders who are willing to work a program that gives them a second chance, while providing services and a path to become productive, law-abiding members of society again,” said LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.

“Expanding the Rapid Diversion Program to the San Fernando Courthouse means expanding effective access to care, not cages,” said Ricardo D. Garcia, the Los Angeles County Public Defender. “By increasing opportunity for diversion, we affirm our commitment to public safety, reducing incarceration, and empowering clients to create lasting stability in their lives.”

“I am proud of the work my office is doing in conjunction with our justice partners to support this program,” said Hydee Feldstein Soto, Los Angeles City Attorney. “The ability to connect eligible individuals with mental health support creates a path toward stability and accountability, which makes our City and County safer.”

An independent evaluation by the RAND Corporation found strong early outcomes for JCOD RDP, including 91 percent of participants who completed the program avoided having a new case filed after graduation. As of December 2025, more than 1,270 participants had graduated from the program.

With the addition of the San Fernando Courthouse, JCOD RDP now operates at eight courthouses countywide, expanding access to timely, evidence-based behavioral health treatment and support for justice-involved individuals across Los Angeles County.

JCOD RDP is located at:

Airport Courthouse
11701 S. La Cienega
Los Angeles, CA 90045

Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center
210 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Compton Courthouse
200 West Compton Blvd.
Compton, CA 90220

Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse
275 Magnolia
Long Beach, CA 90802

Michael Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse
42011 4th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534

Pasadena Courthouse
300 East Walnut St.
Pasadena, CA 91101

San Fernando Courthouse
900 Third Street
San Fernando, CA 91340

Van Nuys Courthouse West
14400 Erwin Street Mall
Van Nuys, CA 91401

For more information about JCOD programs and services, visit jcod.lacounty.gov.

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