STEP Court

Post-filing diversion refers to diversion programs offered after criminal charges have been filed but prior to a guilty plea or criminal trial. By successfully completing post-filing diversion, an individual earns a dismissal of the criminal case(s) filed against them.

The Shelter, Treatment, and Empowerment Program—aka STEP Court—is the City’s flagship post-filing diversion program.

STEP Court aims to address several of the barriers that prevent individuals from accessing the services they need to move forward. STEP Court brings the judge and courtroom to Santa Monica – removing the barrier of getting to the LA County Airport Courthouse 12 miles outside city limits. At STEP Court proceedings, Exodus Resource Navigators are in attendance so when the judge orders the participant to connect with services - the resource navigator immediately begins work with the participant to assist them in obtaining permanent housing in addition to any court-ordered mental health or substance use disorder treatment. STEP Court utilizes a housing-first approach based on the understanding that individuals can’t effectively address mental health or substance use issues without first obtaining stable and secure housing. The City manages STEP Court in partnership with Exodus Recovery, Inc. Exodus is a Southern California-based organization that provides psychiatric and chemical dependency treatment services, with a focus on a client-focused, recovery-based system of care, spanning various counties and offering a wide range of programs.

Partners: Exodus, Superior Court of Los Angeles County 

Press Release: Santa Monica launches diversion program and resource navigation for low level misdemeanors, January 11, 2024