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.
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, which launched on Dec. 4, 2025, 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.
With the addition of the City of San Fernando, the program now operates at eight courthouses countywide.
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
The implementation of JCOD RDP at the San Fernando Courthouse is supported by collaboration with key justice partners, including the LA County Superior Court, LA County District Attorney’s Office, LA County Public Defender’s Office and the LA County Office of the Alternate Public Defender.
“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 LA County Supervisor Lindsey 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.”
“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.”
An independent evaluation by the RAND Corporation found strong early outcomes for JCOD RDP, including 91% 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.
The RAND study neglects to mention the total numbers of people who entered the program, failed and dropped out. (Readers need to “read between the lines.)