§5384. Definitions

            For the purposes of this Chapter, the following terms have the following meanings:

            (1) "Homelessness Court program" means a program with all of the following essential characteristics:

            (a) The integration of health care, education, and housing assistance as well as employment, job training, disability compensation counseling, and other rehabilitative services in the processing of cases in the criminal justice system.

            (b) Early identification and prompt placement of eligible participants in the program for the purpose of making them program participants.

            (c) The use of a nonadversarial approach involving prosecutors and defense attorneys to promote public safety and protect the due process rights of program participants.

            (d) Access to continuum of alcohol, controlled substance, mental health, suicide assessment, intervention, treatment and management, and other related treatment and rehabilitative services.

            (e) Careful monitoring of treatment and services provided to program participants.

            (f) A coordinated strategy to govern program responses to compliance of participants.

            (g) Ongoing judicial interaction with program participants.

            (h) Monitoring and evaluation of program goals and effectiveness.

            (i) Continuing interdisciplinary education to promote effective program planning, implementation, and operations.

            (j) Development of partnerships with public agencies and community organizations, including but not limited to Louisiana Works, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, and any other local, state, or federal agency or organization that can provide assistance to participants.

            (2) "Participant" means a person currently experiencing homelessness who is subject to the jurisdiction of the Homelessness Court program. Participant may also refer to a person, defendant, probationer, or offender in relation to the program.

            Acts 2026, No. 788, §1, eff. June 9, 2026.