San Francisco Program Update
San Francisco Pretrial Diversion Project: What the 2026 Closure Means
The San Francisco Pretrial Diversion Project has announced that it will permanently close and end program services on November 13, 2026. New referrals stopped on September 30. Current participants should continue following existing court obligations unless the court changes them and should remain in contact with their assigned case manager.
Quick answer
What Does the SF Pretrial Closure Mean?
- SF Pretrial is an organization. It stopped taking new referrals on September 30, 2026 and plans to end services on November 13, 2026.
- Court orders belong to the criminal case, not to the organization.
- Current participants' obligations remain in effect unless and until a judge changes them.
- People with new San Francisco cases should ask defense counsel what options currently exist.
Legal note
Current status
October 2026 Status
- New referrals
- Closed September 30, 2026
- Existing participants
- Court obligations remain active unless a judge changes them
- Program services
- Scheduled to end November 13, 2026
2026 transition
SF Pretrial: 2026 Transition Timeline
Timeline: for decades SF Pretrial operated release, diversion and support programs; September 30, 2026 new referrals stopped; October 2026 participants remain responsible for court obligations; November 13, 2026 announced closure; after closure, legal obligations depend on the court, attorneys and other services.
Past
For decades SF Pretrial operated release, diversion and support programs
September 30, 2026
New referrals stopped
October 2026
Current participants remain responsible for existing court obligations
November 13, 2026
SF Pretrial has announced permanent closure and end of program services
After closure
Legal obligations and future case handling depend on the court, attorneys and successor / alternative services
Closure of the organization does not automatically terminate a court order or legal obligation.
Critical distinction
The Organization Is Closing. Your Court Case Is Not Automatically Ending.
SF Pretrial is an organization. Court orders belong to the criminal case. A provider closing does not by itself cancel release conditions, diversion conditions, court dates, treatment requirements, reporting requirements or other legal obligations.
Only the appropriate legal authority can change them. SF Pretrial's notice says that in some cases the court may decide to change reporting conditions.
Background
What Did the San Francisco Pretrial Diversion Project Do?
For decades, SF Pretrial provided services connected to San Francisco criminal cases. According to its program descriptions, these included release services, diversion services, case management, treatment referrals, community-based support and court appearance support.
Pretrial release and diversion were separate categories of service.
Pretrial release services
Related to whether a person stays out of custody while charges are pending.
Supervision and court-reminder support belonged here.
Diversion services
Related to a legal pathway for handling the case itself.
Program conditions and support belonged here.
For more on how these differ, see how diversion relates to jail exposure and pretrial release.
During the transition
What Should Current Participants Know During the Transition?
- Continue following current court orders.
- Continue appearing for scheduled court dates.
- Stay in contact with your assigned case manager while services remain active.
- Follow instructions from your defense counsel.
- Do not assume the closure ends treatment or reporting obligations.
- Ask counsel about any required provider transition.
These are general points, not legal instructions for any specific case.
New cases
What if Someone Has a New San Francisco Criminal Case?
SF Pretrial is no longer accepting new referrals as of September 30, 2026. That does not mean diversion no longer exists in San Francisco.
Diversion options and pretrial release decisions come from California law, local court procedures and other programs or providers. Defense counsel should determine what options currently exist. For background, see what pretrial diversion is in California and how diversion is pursued.
What ETS can and cannot do
Where ETS May Fit During a Provider Transition
ETS is not replacing SF Pretrial as an organization and does not control San Francisco court referrals. Where appropriate and authorized, ETS may help coordinate assessments, behavioral-health services, testing, monitoring, case management and other support requested by counsel.
Responsibilities
Who Does What?
Court
Controls court orders and legal conditions.
Defense counsel
Advises on legal obligations and available alternatives.
Current / successor service providers
Provide assigned services under the applicable arrangement.
ETS
May coordinate relevant support when independently engaged and appropriate.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About the SF Pretrial Closure
Sources & Legal References
San Francisco Pretrial Diversion Project
California Courts
Confidential consultation
Steady Support During a Provider Change
If your attorney requests support services during the SF Pretrial transition, ETS can help coordinate assessments, behavioral-health services, testing, monitoring and case management.
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