Improving Outcomes for Contra County Public Defender Clients

• In Event: Exploring Social Determinants of Health Outcomes and Access to Care

Abstract

The Contra Costa Public Defender Office partnered with the Center for Policing Equity to gain a deeper understanding of the social determinants of their clients when they come in contact with law enforcement. Following law enforcement contact and initial arraignment, the clients faced negative and compounding consequences, particularly with mental health, employment, housing and transportation. For many clients pretrial detention and burdensome fines and fees also deepened the adverse impacts they were trying to navigate. Many clients also faced serious challenges post conviction as well. Even in a state like California that offers a robust health care system there are people that call through the cracks that are suffering from mental, behavioral and physical health disorders that have impacted their lives greatly. Contact with the criminal legal system greatly exacerbates the health issues existing for these people.

Authors

• Liz Swavola, Center for Policing Equity

• Ellen McDonnell, Contra Costa Public Defender's Office