Michigan Street Court Helps Homeless Get Fresh Start

 

An innovative court in Ann Arbor Michigan is giving homeless people a clean slate and a fresh start towards turning their lives around.

Presided over by Ann Arbor District Judge Elizabeth Hines, the Street Outreach Court is the only one of its kind in the Midwest. It convenes across the street from the Washtenaw County Courthouse in a casual, open-air environment that is less frightening for homeless people than the ominous halls of the main court.

Defendants convicted of non-violent crimes appear before Judge Hines and prepare action plans to find housing, substance abuse treatment, job training and employment. Many are referred to social service agencies.

Their progress is monitored and if they do well, Hines cancels warrants and drops fees, which can be prohibitively steep for people living on the streets.

“I want to emphasize this is not a free ride,” Hines told the Detroit Free Press. “What we’re doing is removing legal barriers so that [defendants] can continue to make progress.”

Tagged Ann Arbor, ann arbor street outreach court, District Judge Elizabeth Hines, homeless, judge elizabeth hines street outreach court, Michigan, Street Outreach Court