PUBLIC PROTECTION COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: May 18, 2026
Subject: Holistic Intervention Partnership (HIP) - Program and Funding Update
Submitted For: Ellen McDonnell, Public Defender
Department: Public Defender
Presenter: Ellen McDonnel
Referral History:
In April 2019, the Board of Supervisors approved and authorized the application and acceptance of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) from the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) for the Public Defender's Holistic Intervention Partnership (HIP).
In November 2019, the Public Defender accepted a three-year $3 million JAG grant award for HIP. As one of only two Public Defenders Office in the state to receive an initial JAG grant as part of a total $16.2 million in JAG funding awarded by BSCC, the HIP established an innovative holistic defense system with a focus on early intervention at the time of police contact in misdemeanor cases. Through a public-private partnership between the Contra Costa County Office of the Public Defender, multiple County agencies, and community-based partners, HIP has continued to provide interdisciplinary case management and navigation services to indigent individuals to ensure timely and coordinated access to a client-centered array of housing, behavioral health, transportation and legal services at the critical time of initial law enforcement contact.
The Committee received a report on HIP in October 2024. The Committee requested having a presentation on the HIP program to the full Board of Supervisors when convenient for the Department. The Department has obtained the most current program data, outcomes, and funding levels. Due to the gap in time since the last presentation to the Committee, the Department is reporting back to the PPC, rather than going directly to the Board of Supervisors.
Referral Update:
Please see attached report and presentation for programmatic outcomes and the current outlook of the Public Defender’s Office Holistic Intervention Partnership (HIP) program.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
ACCEPT the program and funding update of the Public Defender’s Office, Holistic Intervention Partnership (HIP) program, and PROVIDE direction to staff as needed.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
No fiscal impact.