Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD)
Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) is a community-based diversion intervention with the goals of improving public safety, reducing unnecessary justice system involvement and improving the health and stability of people who participate in the program. LEAD focuses on providing services to people who are disproportionately in contact with law enforcement due to unmet behavioral health needs or people who cycle in and out of jail; people who have had multiple contacts with the legal system and are at high risk for recidivism; people who are typically excluded or underserved by existing programs and Individuals who are disproportionately impacted by poverty, racial disparities in policing, arrests and sentencing.
Los Angles Community Health Project’s Hollywood LEAD provides Intensive Case Management to individuals in the Hollywood area. Services include but are not limited to assistance with legal system matters, DMV services, obtaining critical documents, enrolling in social service programs like Medi-cal, GR and Calfresh, gaining access to medical providers, mental health services and dental care, transportation to appointments, completing housing applications, medication coordination, placement in emergency shelters and housing, job preparation, family reunification, hormone therapies and health education.
All LEAD participants have regular access to our Drop-in center to rest and restore. We know basic needs must be met for people to grow and thrive.
Drop-in amenities include warm meals and snacks, beverages and coffee, a charging station, internet, hygiene supplies, Naloxone kits and training, safer injection supplies, wound care supplies, restrooms, pet supplies, clothing, shoes, tents, blankets, and caring staff invested in the health of program participants.
Referral pathways to LEAD:
Community Referral:
Non- law enforcement entities, such as businesses, city council offices, or other local service providers. CHPLA staff and LEAD case managers can also refer individuals to the LEAD program through a community referral.
Law enforcement:
Officers trained in LEAD, exercise discretionary authority to divert individuals who are known to have frequent contact with law enforcement, due to unmet behavioral health needs. Selected and eligible individuals are diverted to harm reduction case management services instead of arrest, jail and prosecution.
Partners:
LAPD, The Office of Diversion and Reentry, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office
LEAD IS:
A harm reduction response to the criminalization of people in poverty with unmet behavioral health needs. Participants are never penalized or denied services if they don’t change drug use patterns or sex work behaviors or don’t seek stable housing. LEAD works with participants on goals they identify as priorities to reduce harm and improve health and stability. There are no conditions on the goals they set. LEAD is also supportive of the local communities faced with issues surrounding problematic drug activity and survival behaviors.
Voluntary. Participants must consent to participate in the program. LEAD cannot be court-ordered or mandated as a condition of probation.
Long-term. Participants can remain engaged in LEAD as long as they wish. LEAD case managers develop deep and lasting relationships with participants. These trusted relationships offer stability and continued support over the course of challenges that may arise.
Participant Driven. Part of what allows for the LEAD program’s success is that it focuses on the self-identified needs and goals of participants, not expectations or conditions imposed upon them. Like the rest of us, people put energy in to what they care about. We are strong believers that individuals should not be forced in to making changes, but should have the freedom of authority over their lives, plans and choices. We acknowledge that people are entitled to and responsible for setting their personal health goals.
LEAD PROGRAM Drop-In hours: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 11am-4pm
1151 N. Western Ave Los Angeles, CA 90029
Community residents have access to our drop-in center to rest and restore. Amenities include warm meals and snacks, beverages and coffee, a charging station, internet, hygiene supplies, Naloxone kits and training, safer injection supplies, wound care supplies, restrooms, pet supplies, clothing, shoes, tents, blankets, and caring staff invested in the health of program participants.