San Diego County reports that its local implementation of CARE Court has brokered 182 CARE agreements, which specify treatment and other resources, even housing, that participants will receive. San Diego County reports that those who have participated have seen a 66% reduction in use of crisis services. San Diego says its 32 graduates of the CARE program are the most in the state. 

(Subscription required) Superior Court Judge Rupa S. Goswami has learned that in her felony preliminary hearing courtroom, where grief, anger and the law collide, one of the hardest parts of the job is acknowledging pain without allowing it to dictate justice.

The Yolo County Public Defender’s Office will launch a new program to support people who may be eligible for pretrial mental health diversion using grant funding accepted by the county last month. Defendants are eligible for pretrial mental health diversion if a mental illness contributed to the charged crime, provided they have certain mental health diagnoses and are not considered a safety risk.

(Subscription required) Even under that pressure, the tone in Knish's courtroom remains calm and controlled. He attributes that tone partly to preparation. He works through a checklist -- exhibits, witness lists, discovery, motions -- before jurors enter the box. Once trial starts, objections are handled quickly. "They give their objection, they give the name, I rule from the bench, and we move on," Knish said.