Los Angeles Launches Second Program To Help People Leaving The Justice System

Los Angeles County's Justice, Care and Opportunities Department launched its second program to help people entering or leaving the justice system.

The Developing Opportunities and Offering Re-Entry Solutions program, or D.O.O.R.S, is currently virtual, but a brick and mortar location is scheduled to open in Lancaster in Spring 204. The first D.O.O.R.S community center can be found in South L.A.

D.O.O.R.S will help people with housing, employment, legal aid, and education. The program will also connect them with self-help groups and stabilization support.

Retired Judge Songhai Armstead directs the department. She said people often re-enter society and don't know where to begin.

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"Many of them are trying to turn their lives around," she said. "They're trying to figure out how to support themselves and their family, or trying to figure out how they can make a living wage to change the directory of their lives and the lives of those that they love. We're helping, making it easier for folks."

The permanent facility in Lancaster will expand their programs to include family support and advocacy, therapy, and healing through the arts.

“Through D.O.O.R.S., the County has an opportunity to both make a meaningful change in people’s lives and lower recidivism rates. Too many times, justice-involved individuals feel disconnected and isolated,” L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said. “D.O.O.R.S. can change that by connecting them with viable work opportunities and support so they can permanently turn their lives around.”

You can check out the programs available now at L.A. County’s D.O.O.R.S website.