City launches Community Cares Court program
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The City of St. Joseph launched a program aimed to support individuals experiencing homelessness who are charged with nonviolent offenses.
"Community Cares Court" is a municipal court program that brings together law enforcement, local health and mental health providers and social service agencies to connect participants with housing, medical care and other essential services to help them build a more stable life.
The court is designed to provide support instead of relying solely on fines or jail.
Eligible individuals are connected with services such as mental health care, case management, employment assistance and housing resources.
A City news release said the goal is to reduce the repeated demands on police, court and social service agencies caused by low-level offenses committed by individuals who primarily need help and stability.
Participants facing minor, nonviolent municipal charges, including theft, trespassing and nuisance complaints, are paired with a dedicated case manager, where they work together to secure employment, stable housing and essential documents.
The program also helps participants obtain items such as birth certificates, medical insurance and access to health care and medications.
Court cases may be dismissed for those who demonstrate progress and actively engage in the program.
"All of us working together have a greater impact in getting individuals out of the cycle they are currently finding themselves in," City Manager Mike Schumacher said in a news release. "Our aim is to connect people with housing, health care and services that help them improve their lives, rather than just punishing them."
Community Care Court is a collaborative effort involving the St. Joseph Municipal Court judge and prosecutor, the St. Joseph Police Department, Community Missions, Mosaic Life Care and other community partners.
The pilot phase will include two to five individuals with active Municipal Court cases and a history of interaction with law enforcement, mental health providers and social service agencies. Officials are currently identifying participants, with the program expected to begin in the coming weeks.
