Community courts use novel ways to handle low-level crimes, often with therapy instead of jail time

[Jenna]

Bowls of hard candy rest in front of the judge’s bench, as a reward for the men and women making their weekly court appearances and attending group therapy. Almost daily, the judge awards one standout a $5 grocery store gift card — while the gallery claps and cheers.These scenes have played out thousands of times at the Community Justice Center, a novel, 4-year-old court system in the city’s rough-edged Tenderloin district. It’s one of about 40 community courts around the United States that tackle mostly low-level crimes in troubled neighborhoods using judges — not juries — to send defendants to drug treatment, shelter and social services, instead of handing down fines and time in overcrowded jails.

Novel courts handle low-level crimes across the US, often with therapy rather than jail - The Washington Post

[Five-0]

"to send defendants to drug treatment, shelter and social services, instead of handing down fines and time in overcrowded jails."

Where is the funding for this coming from?

[pgg]

They are trying that here also. I should also mention that every single one of these people breaks their conditions within a week and is back in jail. It's a waste of time and resources and ends up costing us more in tax payer money.

[lewisipso]

More freebies for violators. Violate a law or ordinance and be rewarded for showing up in court.