兰德-加州公共防御试点项目评估（英）-2025_104页_691kb

Evaluation of California Public Defense Pilot Program (PDPP):

• Objective: Assess the impact of PDPP in enhancing postconviction relief (PCR) services in California's county-based public defense systems.
• Methods: Mixed-methods approach, including baseline/progress reports, interviews, and surveys from 42 counties.
• Findings:
  • Grant funds increased access to counsel for PCR, with over 45,000 people screened and thousands granted relief (1,318 under P.C. § 1172.1).
  • Offices used funds to hire personnel, train staff, and improve infrastructure, leading to increased capacity.
  • Challenges included funding uncertainty, administrative burdens, record access, and staffing shortages.
• Recommendations:
  • Establish a minimum grant level to ensure feasibility for small counties.
  • Provide flexible funding and guidance for grantee budgeting.
  • Expand PCR scope to include additional statutes (e.g., expungement, felony-to-misdemeanor reductions).
  • Support community forums for resource-sharing among offices.

Program Impact:

• PDPP successfully enhanced PCR services, but sustainability depends on addressing funding uncertainties and legislative demands.

Key Statistics:

• 45,448 people reached out or screened for PCR under P.C. § 1172.1.
• Over 3,900 hours of training supported by PDPP funds.
• Average grant allocation ranged from $1,528 (Alpine County) to $12.7M (Los Angeles County).

Lessons Learned:

• Grant programs must balance funding allocation, administrative support, and legislative alignment to maximize impact.