Fulton County Superior Court’s Pretrial Services team held a first-of-its-kind Pretrial Resource Fair in October for individuals under pretrial supervision in lieu of jail. Participants, already required to report as a condition of release, got a two-for-one opportunity during their regular check in to connect with support services that are critical to long-term success and a second chance in life. The effort is part of the county’s longstanding push for alternatives to incarceration and to relieve pressure on the overcrowded Fulton County Jail.
The wide array of services available included vocational training and GED support, health screenings, and youth programs. In addition, clients were connected to opportunities for legal assistance, discounted Wi-Fi, and the Urban League of Greater Atlanta provided job training.
“I know I’ll probably find a job with all the resources that they gave me,” said Curtis Brooks, a client attending the fair. “It’s a good experience.”
Members of the Fulton County Clerk’s Office were also on hand to provide basic support such as address changes. And the Fulton County Solicitor General’s Office assisted with record expungements and other impediments to success.
“Some of them have records from the past that are low-level offenses that they can have removed,” said Chris Latson, of the Solicitor’s Office. “By having those removed, it alleviates those barriers that they may have to employment of housing.”
While this event was the first, workers from Pretrial Services say it won’t be the last such resource fair aimed at putting folks on a pathway to success.