The Los Angeles County Court Liaison Program serves adults with mental illness who are involved with the Los Angeles County criminal justice system. Its objectives are to increase coordination and collaboration between the criminal justice system and mental health systems, improve access to mental health services and supports, reduce incarceration time and enhance continuity of care.

SERVICES:

• Onsite courthouse outreach to defendants
• Individual service needs assessment
• Develop post release plans which take into account court outcomes and stipulations
• Inform consumers and the court of appropriate treatment options
• Link consumers to treatment programs and expedite mental health referrals
• Present treatment alternatives on behalf of consumers during court proceedings
• Provide support and assistance to defendants and families in navigating the court system

Referral Process     

Referrals can be initiated with the appropriate individual court liaison listed below. Please make contact with the liaison as soon as a defense attorney has been appointed.

Defendant eligibility factors

• Established Mental Illness or Co-Occurring Substance Disorder
• Over 18 years of age
• Readiness to engage in treatment

LEGAL Eligibility Factors

• Pre-sentenced criminal case status
• Alternative sentencing is at the discretion of the court
• Defense attorney and client approval required for services
• Treatment cannot be court ordered
• Exclusions: Convictions requiring registration

DIRECTORY

Personnel subject to change. If necessary, ask for the currently assigned Court Liaison.

Foltz Criminal Justice Center (CCB)
Nancy Corona
(213) 974-2963

Compton
Amanda Garrick
(310) 603-8077

EAST L.A./WEST COVINA
Sylvia Luna, PT
(626) 403-4381

SAN FERNANDO/NEWHALL/BURBANK
Ruben Vargas, LCSW
(818) 898-2490 – San Fernando

PASADENA
Tonya Jewell
(626) 356-5374

EL MONTE
Sandra Lepe
(626) 403-4370

SANTA MONICA/LAX/BEVERLY HILLS
Cynthia Reston-Parham
(626) 403-4370

LONG BEACH
Cinthya Alcaraz, LCSW
(562) 247-2529

VAN NUYS/GLENDALE
Sandra Bautista-Lechner, LCSW
(818) 374-2349

POMONA
Arlene Veliz, MSW
(213) 258-6829

NORWALK/BELLFLOWER
Theresa Arredondo, LCSW
(562) 804-8219

TORRANCE/INGELWOOD
Kendall Saddler, LCSW
(310) 222-4067

ANTELOPE VALLEY
Monica Jacobs, RN
(661) 974-7408

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the CLP the same as the Mental Health Court (Court 95)

No, Court 95 is a civil court where conservatorships and competency hearings are held.  The CLP serves individuals with mental illness at Superior Courts throughout L.A. County.

Can a defendant be “court ordered” into mental health treatment?

Mental health treatment is offered on a voluntary basis with the exception of defendants declared “incompetent to stand trial.”

How do I seek psychiatric services for someone in jail?

The Los Angeles County Sheriffs website has specific directions on how to make a referral.