About Justice, Care, and Opportunities Department (JCOD) 

The Justice, Care, and Opportunities Department (JCOD) is the County’s new central agency unifying LA County’s efforts to serve vulnerable justice-impacted people and communities and drive forward the Board of Supervisors’ vision of Care First, Jails Last. In March of 2022 the Board voted to establish an umbrella entity that braids together Care First, Jails Last service delivery and advisory bodies into a cohesive team that is supported by a common mission, and an administrative support structure that facilitates person and equity-centric service delivery.

By establishing a JCOD, which works together with a Justice Advisory Board (comprised of members from existing advisory bodies), the County has taken a monumental step to address deficiencies in the existing County infrastructure. As part of this, JCOD coordinates and evaluates countywide justice data to guide reforms, divert people from the justice system and expand the community-based network of support. In addition, JCOD is a leader in the expansion of alternative crisis response, which includes the implementation of the 911 alternative, 988, Youth Justice Reform and coordinates the Care First Community Investment Initiative (formerly known as Measure J).