The National Center for State Courts recently released a study of eviction diversion models in 46 communities across the country.
To read the full report, click here.
Here are the highlights from the article:
- Get Rental Assistance in the Courts: Courts should be setting up connections to Rental Assistance, so tenants and landlords know how to apply and can do so easily.
- Set up a Diversion Program with Mediation & Social Services: Courts should be setting up Diversion Programs with holistic social services, rent assistance, and mediation. This can help people stay housed, or at least transition in a stable way to new housing.
- Slow the Court Calendar Down. How courts set up the hearing calendars, they should plan for longer diversion & rental assistance processes — so people can get the help that’s out there before an eviction hearing & order are issued.
- Have a Jurisdiction-Wide Task Force. Courts should be coordinating with stakeholders, like with legal aid groups, the landlord bar, housing and behavioral health counselors, and city agencies — so they know what everyone is doing & can get more community services in the courts.
- Seal, mask, or expunge the Eviction Records. Sealing records can prevent tenants from having a Scarlet E on their record, so they can get back on their feet. Courts can explore Shadow Dockets, Expungement, and Sealing/Privacy Policies.
For your reference, please also watch “Tiny Chat 49: Eviction Diversion”, from State Courts on Vimeo. https://vimeo.com/