LOS ANGELES (AP) — Homeless people who’ve been ticketed for panhandling and other minor crimes in the Los Angeles area can have their records wiped clean if they accept help to get back on their feet.

The Los Angeles Times says the county-funded program removes citations if the homeless person accepts job training, drug and alcohol treatment or other services and performs community service.

Some of the homeless have racked up thousands of dollars in citations for offenses such as sleeping on sidewalks or urinating in public.

L.A. City Attorney Mike Feuer says the program is designed to eliminate barriers — such as unpayable fines — that might block the homeless from access to jobs and housing. His office will conduct clinics around the county where the homeless can sign up for services.