S.L. court metes out justice to homeless

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Jun 6, 2005 | by Geoffrey Fattah Deseret Morning News

Unfortunately, Baxter's court is new and does not have the resources to help even people who ask for drug treatment. Drug offenders are often handled in another specialty court -- drug court -- but by then, their addiction has to be fairly advanced.

In San Diego's homeless court, a variety of services are made available, including drug treatment, temporary housing and job training, which works with the court to get homeless people on their feet.

"I wish we had that here," Baxter said.

Assistant state court administrator Rick Schwermer said homeless court is appropriate in Salt Lake City because it has the highest concentration of homeless in the state, but the court has to prove itself a bit more before expanding.

"I applaud Judge Baxter's creativity and ingenuity," he said "Obviously we have an interest and we have been pushing and supporting efforts in court that solve problems."

Both Schwermer and Baxter agree what is needed is for those who offer services to the homeless to team up with homeless court to help turn lives around.

Meantime, Baxter said he will continue to do what he can to help the homeless. "They deserve to be treated with respect just like anyone else, and I think they really appreciate that."

E-mail: gfattah@desnews.com