Collaborative Courts

Early Intervention Court (EIC) is a diversionary court for low level felony cases (as defined in Penal Code Section 1170(h)). Referrals to EIC come from agreements and acquiescence of the District Attorney’s office. EIC is case managed by LCA (Leaders in Community Alternatives). The typical term of EIC is one year but can be longer based upon cooperation in treatment and repayment of restitution. Terms of participation include educational goals, maintaining employment, payment of restitution and specific goals set by the participants. EIC typically excludes gun cases, domestic violence and offenses which require 290 registration. Progress report court dates are set either every two weeks or once a month. The benefits of completion include dismissal of the case and additional relief pursuant to Penal Code Section 851.91.

Behavioral Health Court (BHC) is a collaborative court case managed by Alameda County Behavioral Health. It is designed to address those individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) by providing linkage to community treatment teams that provide psychiatry, psychotropic medications, case management and in many cases housing placements. This court applies to both misdemeanor and felony cases and includes probation violations, though there is prohibition for domestic violence cases and cases involving guns, except in rare situations. Referrals are made as an “offer” from the DA’s office but acceptance into the program requirements the agreement of all stakeholders in the court.  Potential participants must be Alameda County Medi-Cal eligible and not have current private insurance. The program generally lasts for one year with regular progress reports weekly and eventually monthly. The benefits of the program include dismissal of the case or reinstatement of probation with a termination of that probation.  Additional benefits include relief under Penal Code Section 851.91.

This is neither a collaborative or diversionary court but instead a treatment court designed to address the treatment needs of those individuals with misdemeanor cases who have been found incompetent to stand trial (IST) or selected felony incompetency cases (DSH Diversion) where treatment and restoration needs are provided in community settings (rather than a state psychiatric hospital). These defendants are assessed by clinicians from Alameda County Behavioral Health and treatment needs are provided by treatment teams who provide regulat progress reports.  In misdemeanor cases, the court’s alternative choices for treatment are described in Penal Code Section 1370.01. Sufficient cooperation in community-based treatment will generally result in dismissal of the underlying case. The benefits of community treatment is felony cases has yet to be determined.