Credit: Getty Images.

When Cathy Citro addressed a rally in May at New York City Hall, it was clear that she was thriving. She is balancing an internship and part-time work, preparing to start full-time work, and managing her complex health needs. As she spoke, she proudly held up to the crowd the keys to her brand new apartment.

You wouldn't know she was recently released from prison after decades of legal system involvement.

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As a court advocate, I met Ms. Citro when her attorney referred her to us. Almost 60 years old, she was facing six years in state prison for three active cases of theft. With long-term addiction issues, unstable housing, unaddressed trauma and no support network, she’d had over 45 prior encounters with the legal system.

But where others saw a case number, we saw a human being in crisis.

My role wasn't to judge, but to understand – to look beyond her charges at the root causes. Through our conversations, Ms. Citro took accountability and revealed a harrowing story she had never shared. Her behavior stemmed from mental health challenges and addiction triggered by sexual trauma – issues no prison sentence would resolve.

Viewing her story through a public health lens revealed a profound truth: Her persistent involvement with the legal........

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