Community Court

Created in 2024 through a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, the South Salt Lake Community Court Program is designed to help unsheltered individuals navigate the South Salt Lake court system and reduce future law enforcement interactions through providing connections to treatment, medical care, stable housing, and long-term support systems for lasting positive change. The goal is to provide individuals with additional support and resources that can reduce recidivism and increase their chances of success while working towards stability. 

How It Works

Participants in the Community Court Program are selected based on the eligibility factors listed below. Once a participant is enrolled in the program, they work closely with court staff to get connected with community resource partners who help to address their individual barriers to success.  Some off these partners include Utah 211, Salt Lake County Health Department, and Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness (USARA). The Justice Court also works closely with other city departments to identify needs, fill gaps in services, and create productive, practical opportunities for court-ordered community service. 

Eligibility Factors

Participants of the Community Court Program must meet the following criteria:

• Must have at least one open case with the SSL Justice Court,
• Must be currently experiencing homelessness,
• Cannot have violent felony or sex offense charges or convictions,
• Must have a substance abuse and/or mental health disorder,
• Must voluntarily complete the CCAT (Criminal Court Assessment Tool),
• Must agree to work with the Community Court team to complete sentencing requirements. 

If you have questions about the eligibility factors, or would like to know if you or someone you know meet the requirements, please fill out the attached contact form.

Community Support

A partnership between the Community Court Program and the South Salt Lake Police Department Homeless Resource Unit has resulted in designated open court dates for individuals experiencing homelessness. These dates are an opportunity for any individual who has an open case with the SSL Justice Court to get in front of a judge and have their case heard. Through a partnership with the Road Home, defendants can either attend court in person, or via Webex from the Pamela Atkinson Resource Center or other Road Home shelters. Defendants can then meet with community resource providers and court staff to create a plan to meet any necessary sentencing obligations. An individual does not have to be an enrolled participant of the Community Court Program to receive these services.  

Public Education & Outreach

The South Salt Lake Justice Court offers public education and outreach for individuals and helps connect them with resources to navigate the legal system.  Please contact the Court for more information.

Community Court Dates

Open court dates typically take place in the mornings on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Exact dates and times are subject to change. Please call the Justice Court at 801-483-6072 to confirm dates if you or someone you know is planning to attend.