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Project Heart Overview Onboarding
- project description / history
- product details
- team members + roles (including HEART team)
- calendar / timeline
Hack for LA is working with the City of LA's Attorney's Office which supports the Criminal Record Clearing Project by administering the Los Angeles County Homeless Court Program. As part of this program, the Homeless Engagement and Response Team (HEART) deploys its staff to 'homeless connect days' in the community (see for example The Source at the Los Angeles Public Library, although connect days are organized throughout LA County) where adults who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of experiencing homelessness may enroll in the program. The program helps participants resolve eligible traffic and pedestrian infraction citations by engaging in services instead of paying fines and fees they cannot afford.
Willing participants first complete an intake form with a member of staff. This form includes personal details, contact information, details about any ticket or violation participants may have. It also gives information and instructions to the participant regarding the program's process, which they have to sign.
Once they have completed the intake form, they are encouraged to visit and engage with different service providers present at the event (this can include housing services, medical treatments, food, social services, etc.) With each of the services, a member of staff will be asked to sign a sheet proving their engagement. After five of these interactions, the participants will be deemed eligible to participate in the program.
After each 'connect day' event, the team brings the intake forms and related paperwork to the office where details will be checked against existing criminal justice databases to identify qualifying violations. Once they have identified those violations, HEART will file a motion with the Los Angeles Superior Court, requesting a dismissal and/or suspension of fines, and a recall of associated warrants. Participants can then be notified of the outcome for their violations.
The project began through outreach from Hack for LA's homelessness group. After discussion with the HEART team about