Contra Costa Holistic Intervention Partnership (HIP) Evaluation

• In Event: Getting Out of Court: Specialty Courts and Diversion

Abstract

Across California, more than a million misdemeanor cases are filed every year; these cases are the primary way that most individuals experience the criminal justice system. In Contra Costa County, 74.9% of criminal cases prosecuted in 2018 were misdemeanors. For individuals, the collateral consequences of a misdemeanor arrest can be devastating, hampering access to employment, housing, and other essentials. Moreover, many of those charged with misdemeanors are repeatedly involved in the criminal justice system and are also frequent utilizers of other systems. To respond to these needs, Contra Costa implemented the Holistic Intervention Partnership (HIP). HIP’s goal is to enable improved coordination and early delivery of critical legal, housing, and behavioral health services after an arrest/citation and before charges are filed, in turn reducing system burden and improving criminal justice outcomes. This presentation will describe the results of the HIP outcome and process evaluation.

Authors

• Aili Malm, California State University, Long Beach

• Dina Perrone, California State University, Long Beach

• Ellen McDonnell, Contra Costa County Office of the Public Defender

• Blanca Hernandez, Contra Costa County Office of the Public Defender

• Brooks Osborne, Contra Costa County Office of the Public Defender