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PACEs in the Criminal Justice System

Discussion and sharing of resources in working with clients involved in the criminal justice system and how screening for and treating ACEs will lead to successful re-entry of prisoners into the community and reduced recidivism for former offenders.

Meet The One-Person Alternative Sentencing Program Connecting Californians To A Better Life Outside Of Jail (witnessla.com)

 

On most days, social service worker Lita Meza can be found in her Toyota Prius transporting her clients from Riverside County’s jails to outside rehabilitation programs all over Southern California. For 16 years, she has been the force behind the Alternative Sentencing Program run out of the Riverside County Public Defender’s Office.

“Lita changes lives every day,” said Riverside County Public Defender Steve Harmon. “I would go further and say Lita saves lives every day. She takes people who would still be in jail and who would, when they get out, never make it to a program. She gets them to a program.”

Meza is a one-person team who takes client referrals only from attorneys in the Public Defender’s office. The clients at that point have been charged, but not officially sentenced. If the clients are accepted into a program, their participation becomes part of the sentencing.

To read more of Nadine Ono's article, please click here.


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