Views from the Bench

• Citation: Vol. 37 No. 5 Pg. 15
• Publication year: 2024
• Pages: 15

Views from the Bench Vol. 37 No. 5 Pg. 15 Utah Bar Journal September 2024

October 2024

Familiar Faces: A New Approach to Criminal Justice in Utah

The Honorable Clemens Landau

The Familiar Faces program, sponsored by the Salt Lake City Prosecutor's office and housed at the Salt Lake City Justice Court, aims to divert individuals who are struggling with homelessness and facing lower level, non-violent criminal charges from the criminal justice system. Spearheaded by the Salt Lake City Prosecutor's Office, the Salt Lake Legal Defender's Office, and the Salt Lake City Justice Court, the new program has been inspired by a successful model from Florida.

The Florida program has garnered national attention for its holistic and compassionate approach to criminal justice. Individuals who repeatedly find themselves entangled in the legal system - often due to circumstances such as mental health issues, homelessness, and substance abuse - are met with compassion and much-needed resources to help break the pattern of recidivism. Local stakeholders, recognizing the potential for such a program in Utah, have adapted this model to meet the specific needs of Salt Lake City.

The result is an innovative court program that targets individuals who frequently cycle through jails, homeless shelters, emergency departments, and other crisis services. The program aims to break the cycle and foster long-term stability and reintegration of these individuals into their communities.

At the outset of the program, the Salt Lake City Prosecutor's office conducted data analysis to identify individuals with low-level, non-violent charges who frequent jails, shelters, and emergency services. By pinpointing these individuals, the program aims to address the root causes of their repeated interactions with the criminal justice system.

Key stakeholders, including case managers, housing specialists, and peer support advisors, collaborate to create a network of support tailored to each individual's needs. This collaborative effort ensures that individuals receive the resources best suited to address their unique challenges, thereby promoting stability and self-sufficiency.

One of the most innovative aspects of the Familiar Faces program is its unique courtroom space. Traditional court settings often intimidate and discomfort individuals with mental health issues or trauma histories. Familiar Faces, however, operates in a courtroom at the Salt Lake City Justice...