The Local Justice Advisory Council is developing best practices and guidelines for the local level, while multi-agency task forces need to address a myriad of issues. A process based on groups partnering to develop system-wide implementation, with local control was by urged. Court staff members should be on planning committees and must be active participants. Judges must be educated about the value of working with local planning committees. There is a challenge in securing judicial involvement to make the program work.
Planning needs to occur at the county level.
In many counties, there are not enough treatment opportunities available. The first priority is to increase the availability and capacity of treatment. Proposition 36 actions is an effective process. Cases that will now be Proposition 36 eligible have traditionally involved plea bargains that offer probation and drug court referrals instead of jail time. There is a potential loss of incentive for offenders to plead guilty.