Pretrial Release Evaluation Program (PREP)
Program Overview
Over the past year, the Alternatives to Incarceration Office worked to enhance the Court’s Pretrial Release Evaluation Program (PREP) Pilot and to phase towards larger pretrial reform in JCOD – in particular, increasing service linkage for pretrial defendants. Working with justice partners and Project 180 – a service provider with significant pretrial experience, pretrial services in LA County is evolving to include:
- Needs-based assessments conducted upon request by defense counsel to better understand the individual’s substance use, mental health, and housing needs. This information is used to determine whether the individual is suitable for available housing.
- Dedicated pretrial housing, accommodating up to 30 individuals at a time – to immediately connect individuals to services upon approval from the judge. Individuals found suitable for such support are immediately transported to the housing site directly from jail.
- Proactive engagement with individuals and availability of immediate service linkage to the pretrial population under the PREP Program.
Next Steps
- Enter into contract(s) to assist JCOD with program design, stakeholder engagement, implementation, and management support for independent pretrial services.
- Work to streamline existing pretrial services programs and evaluate all funds available to support independent pretrial services.
- Coordinate with the Chief Executive Office’s Chief Information Office, justice system partners, health and social services partners, and others on the timely implementation of key JCOD data and dashboard deliverables related to pretrial services.