COMMISSION ON HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY
STEERING COMMITTEE ON THE UNMET LEGAL NEEDS OF CHILDREN
COMMISSION ON MENTAL AND PHYSICAL DISABILITY LAW
STANDING COMMITTEE ON LEGAL AID AND INDIGENT DEFENDANTS
STANDING COMMITTEE ON LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL
SECTION ON INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION

RECOMMENDATION

RESOLVED, That the American Bar Association supports the development of a comprehensive, systemic approach to addressing the needs of homeless misdemeanant defendants through multidisciplinary strategies that include coordination among the criminal justice, health, social service and education systems, and the community.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That the American Bar Association urges state, local, and territorial courts to adopt Homeless Court Programs as treatment-oriented diversionary proceedings that may result in the dismissal of misdemeanor offenses upon completion of shelter/service agency activities, as a means to foster the movement of people experiencing homelessness from the streets through a shelter program to self-sufficiency.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That the American Bar Association urges state, local and territorial bar associations to facilitate the development of Homeless Court Programs.