Philadelphia launches new Kensington Neighborhood Wellness Court

The City of Philadelphia launched its new pilot called the Kensington Neighborhood Wellness Court (NWC) on Wednesday.

The program will offer the opportunity to face the lowest level offense while receiving care, support and treatment.

What we know:

Philadelphia Police Officers will now have the option to offer individuals arrested for a misdemeanor crime related to public drug use the opportunity to face a summary offense instead and receive same day physical and behavioral health assessments, basic medical care and withdrawal management, a judicial hearing and diversion and intake for treatment.

Currently, the NWC only operates on Wednesdays, but city leaders would like to secure additional funding to operate the wellness court five days a week.

The NWC will work in tandem with the Office of Public Safety’s Kensington Wellness Support Center. 

Individuals arrested for eligible offenses will first get transported to the center for a pre-screening to check their ability to attend court that day. Related medical and behavioral support is also readily available on site.

The NWC is located at the 24th and 25th Philadelphia Police District on Whitaker Avenue. 

What they're saying:

A 41-year-old man who only wanted to be identified as "R" said the new pilot could be a hard sell.

"They’re not offering it, they’re forcing it," said R. "They’re not wanting to get clean, so therefore they’re going to do what they want to do there and come back out here and do what they want again. It’s not going to stop [people] from using."

A coalition of Korean-American pastors provide warm meals in Kensington weekly for the past several years. Pastor Tim Choe shares his doubts about people’s willingness to accept care.

"People avoid going to the shelter. People don’t want to have to be helped by police, or hospitals or clinics. They’d rather not be helped by that. 12:49:23 Somehow they want to stay here and get their drugs or somehow. I think as long as they’re healthy, as long as they have money to get that drug, they’ll try to stay here on the street," said Choe. "I’m here to tell them God loves them and there’s still hope for them so that’s what I’m trying to do."

City leaders said individuals who are eligible for NWC can have previous bench warrants cleared to start their journey in the rapid diversion program with a clean slate. 

"I think that’s fabulous because the people need direction," said Eddie Capozzi who works with Rock Ministries. "When I come out here and hand gloves and hats out, they can’t put it on themselves. I have to actually put it on for them. They need help, and this help right here that you’re talking about, I thank God for that."

City leaders believe the NWC prioritizes health and well-being by addressing the health needs of individuals before judicial processing. 

The Source: The information in this story is from the City of Philadelphia. 

NewsPhiladelphia