Community Court
Established in July 2018, the Mesa Community Court is a problem-solving court designed to help unhoused individuals resolve their eligible pending cases and receive social services.
Community Court seeks to stop the cycle of homelessness, addiction, and arrest, and give participants an opportunity to improve their lives and regain their independence. Unlike conventional courts, our approach recognizes that certain offenses are often the result of broader social inequities. By acknowledging the interconnectedness of homelessness, substance use disorders, unmet physical and mental health needs, and lack of income, Community Court seeks to end justice system involvement by addressing the underlying circumstances.
Community Court replaces the traditional criminal justice system’s focus on punishment with a collaborative problem-solving approach. Under the leadership of a judge, our team includes prosecutors, advisory public defenders, peer navigators, and community organizations, and is committed to addressing the root causes that bring individuals into contact with the criminal justice system. Community Court provides comprehensive social services including shelter referrals, physical and mental health provider referrals, substance use treatment referrals, workforce support, outreach, assistance obtaining identifying documents and eligible benefits, youth and elder care services, and education opportunities.
Community Court intends to be transformative and create long-lasting positive change for graduates of the program. Our graduates often reconnect with their families, gain employment in Mesa and surrounding cities, and some even return to school to obtain their GED or work towards a degree or certificate program.
A separate SMI Community Court docket is held three times a month for individuals with a serious mental illness (SMI) designation and who are connected with their assigned clinic. Instead of navigators, their clinic case managers participate in the Community Court process. The goal of the SMI Community Court is the same as regular Community Court.
Mission
Our Mission is to support unhoused individuals through a compassionate and inclusive environment where legal intervention is coupled with comprehensive social services.
Vision
To be a model court program known for successfully empowering individuals to achieve autonomy, overcome challenges, and thrive as members of our community.