Los Angeles County has solidified its commitment to a “Care First, jails last” vision by approving a landmark $187.7 million investment package. This significant financial undertaking aims to foster a more just and equitable community for all residents through direct community investments and enhanced alternatives to incarceration.
Embracing the principles of voter-approved Measure J, the spending plan strategically utilizes one-time funding from the American Rescue Plan. This forward-thinking approach ensures a robust and sustainable foundation for these critical programs as they expand and reach full operational capacity by 2024.
The approved plan earmarks a substantial $100 million as an initial down payment for “Care First Community Investment” programs, directly stemming from Measure J initiatives. Complementing this, an additional $87.7 million from the American Rescue Fund will bolster a wide spectrum of supportive programs. These encompass interim and permanent supportive housing solutions, grants directed towards community-based organizations, and expanded employment opportunities for both adults and young people.
This comprehensive spending plan closely aligns with the recommendations put forth by the Measure J Re-imagine LA Advisory Committee. In fact, it meets or surpasses 91 percent of the committee’s recommendations and provides funding for 29 new or expanded programs. This detailed spending plan is publicly accessible for review, demonstrating transparency and accountability.
Developed with a strong equity focus, the plan prioritizes historically under-resourced communities. This targeted approach seeks to redress the detrimental effects of racially-driven criminal justice disparities and long-standing economic disinvestment within these communities.
Key Highlights of the “Care First” Funding Plan
The funding plan allocates resources strategically across several key areas to maximize impact and promote the “care first” approach:
Supporting Men’s Central Jail Closure
A significant allocation of $42 million is dedicated to facilitating the closure of Men’s Central Jail. This reflects a concrete step towards reducing reliance on incarceration and investing in community-based solutions.
Community-Based Pretrial Services
$8 million is designated for community-based pretrial services in high-need communities. These services aim to replace traditional law enforcement supervision and pretrial incarceration for eligible individuals, focusing on support and rehabilitation within the community.
Investing in Youth Justice
Recognizing the importance of early intervention, $20.9 million is allocated to support youth at risk of or already involved in the justice system. These programs will focus on prevention, diversion, and rehabilitation tailored to the specific needs of young people.
Expanding Housing and Support Services
To address critical housing needs, $16 million will fund housing and related services. This includes support for individuals experiencing homelessness with complex health challenges, those with substance use disorders, and at-risk and system-impacted youth and transition-age youth.
Re-entry Support for Formerly Incarcerated Residents
Facilitating successful reintegration into the community is crucial. $15 million is allocated to support residents returning home after incarceration, providing them with resources and opportunities for a fresh start.
Substance Use Disorder Services and Prevention
Addressing substance use disorders as a public health issue is a core component of the “care first” approach. $9 million is dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing substance use disorder and to prevent drug-related harm and fatalities through accessible and effective treatment and prevention programs.
Further details regarding the Care First Community Investment spending plan are available in a summarized format, and a comprehensive breakdown of funded programs is also accessible online.
For in-depth information about Care First Community Investment and Measure J, please visit the Alternatives to Incarceration website.
In a related action, the Board of Supervisors has refined the Measure J Advisory Committee, renaming it the Los Angeles County Care First & Community Investment Advisory Committee (CFCI Advisory Committee). This 24-member committee, comprising community representatives, individuals with lived experience, County department leaders, and labor representatives, will continue to advise on spending strategies and support the County’s development of an online dashboard for monitoring Care First Community Investment data. This emphasizes ongoing community involvement and data-driven accountability in the implementation of the “care first” vision.
