A community outreach court is an alternative problem-solving court that distinguishes itself from traditional court proceedings by focusing on identifying and addressing the underlying challenges faced by court participants, which may contribute to further criminal behavior. Its primary objective is to provide those in need, especially the unhoused population, with greater accessibility to the Court while fostering stronger communities and reducing recidivism.
An essential component of a community outreach court is the inclusion of multiple community services and resources. The community outreach court has several community partners on-site, offering a wide range of services such as behavioral health support, substance use assistance, public assistance, employment aid, and food and clothing donations. Multiple community service agencies are available in one convenient location. The resources are accessible to all members of the public, in addition to the participants involved in community court proceedings.
Community Outreach Court is held the first Thursday of each month at 1:15 p.m. at Mountair Christian Church, 1390 Benton Street, Lakewood, CO 80214.
Conducting court hearings in a secure, neutral, and community-oriented venue fosters participant engagement and diminishes the stigma that can be often associated with traditional courthouses. The community resource partners, in collaboration with the Court, play a vital role in delivering the essential services needed by participants and other community members. Ensuring easy accessibility for all is vital when determining the appropriate location.
A court marshal is stationed to conduct individual screenings before allowing entry into the courtroom. Similarly, any personal items may be subject to inspection.
The Court hears misdemeanor cases such as disorderly conduct, trespassing, theft, and urinating in public. Cases involving charges that fall under the Victim Right Act, including charges of Domestic Violence, are not eligible to be handled at the Community Outreach Court.
Court participants who want to resolve their Lakewood municipal cases which are not Victim Rights cases. Participants must not have any outstanding warrants from other jurisdictions, including felony warrants, or any warrants from Lakewood Municipal Court involving a charge which falls under the Victim Rights Act, including a Domestic Violence charge.
Various services are accessible to both court participants and other members of the community, such as:
- Substance Use Support
- Mental Health Support
- Public Assistance Support
- Housing Assistance
- Employment Assistance
- GED/Education/Training Programs
- Food Assistance
- Clothing Assistance
- Medical Assistance
Community Resources are available to all individuals. Participation in community outreach court is not a prerequisite for accessing the services.
The community outreach court is open to the public. All participants must undergo the necessary security screening procedures.
Please contact the Lakewood Municipal Court at 303-987-7400.