Paris Barnes

Background

About Paris Barnes

I currently serve as a Resource Navigator at Project 180, working at the CCB courthouse in Downtown Los Angeles. In this role, I assess and connect clients with criminal court cases to critical resources. Through the Rapid Diversion Program, I ensure access to substance use and mental health services by assessing client's substance usage with the ASAM Triage. Through the PREP (Pretrial Release Evaluation Program), I help individuals secure housing. My work is centered around facilitating diversions that provide clients with the support they need to avoid recidivism and move forward in their lives.Previously, I served as a Client Advocate at the Los Angeles County Public Defenders Office, where I connected clients with housing, employment, and benefits. I managed a caseload of 30-40 clients and collaborated closely with public defenders, social workers, and various organizations to ensure comprehensive support. My advocacy efforts focused on empowering individuals to use their lived experiences to successfully reintegrate into society.My background also includes roles as an intern and case manager at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, where I developed programs and provided resources for incarcerated individuals. I was a special educator at Nathaniel Narbonne High School, where I tailored curricula for special education students, and I participated in professional development and taught in under-resourced schools through Teach For America.In my spare time, I bring awareness to social injustices through painting and other visual arts. My skills include client advocacy, case management, curriculum development, and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. I hold a Master of Arts in Special Education from Loyola Marymount University and a Bachelor of Social Work with minors in Women and Gender Studies and Urban Youth and Communities from UNC Charlotte.