Report: Downtown Austin Community Court saw 261% increase in cases in FY24

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A missing person from Illinois previously living with debilitating mental illness on the streets of Austin, reconnected with family and was admitted to a residential treatment center back home. That's one of the success stories listed in a new Downto w n Austin Alliance Community Court (DACC) annual report .

Here's another: "The effort and dedication of DACC allowed me to get off the street, find a treatment center in my hometown and I have since celebrated over a year of uninterrupted sobriety. I am working now in a pre-apprenticeship program with an interest in a few local trade unions."

The DACC's fiscal year 2024 report shows it's more than just one or two success stories.

Started 25 years ago, the DACC has helped people experiencing homelessness clear criminal cases and instead, connect to resources. That idea was the first of its kind in Texas and Austin had the seventh community court in the country back then, according to the report.

"Since then, there have been dozens if not hundreds of community courts to begin operation across the country and we're fortunate enough to be a mentor court," Robert Kingham, administrator of the DACC, said.

With the release of the fiscal year 2024 annual report, we're getting an idea of just how well Austin's DACC is working right now. According to the report, the DACC saw a 261% increase in cases filed in their court last fiscal year.

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"City council expanded our jurisdiction citywide to handle certain types of offenses regardless of where they're committed...that's in an effort to equitably address the individuals that become justice involved and make sure that they have access to the services that we're able to provide here," Kingham said.

On top of that, the DACC started a mobile court pilot in 2024 , which brought DACC directly to people experiencing homelessness. That pilot resulted in 929 court case checks, 141 docketed court cases and 93 warrants cleared.

Thanks to the dedication of the DACC Advisory Board, City staff, and local advocates, we've seen firsthand how innovative, community-based approaches can improve outcomes for our most vulnerable neighbors. I championed expanding the DACC's reach, because every member of our community deserves access to services that help them move beyond their current circumstances. By launching the mobile court and expanding services citywide, we're now able to reach people where they are, offering support that addresses their unique needs. This growth is a testament to what's possible when we invest in comprehensive, compassionate solutions.

Council Member Natasha Harper Madison

Moving forward, Austin City Council approved full funding of the mobile court program for fiscal year 2025 . The DACC was able to leverage that funding to apply for federal grants too.

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Next week, Austin City Council will vote to accept more than $1.3 million so that DACC can partner with more local agencies and service providers to expand that work.

The report also found more people are willing to walk into the Downtown Austin Community Court for help. Since 2023, the DACC has seen a more than 30% increase in people using their walk-in case management program, according to the report.

That shakes out to roughly 72 people voluntarily walking through their doors every day for services in fiscal year 2024, the report said.