Predictors of Program Success and Recidivism among Adult Civil Citation Participants

• In Event: Recidivism- What Matters

Abstract

The Adult Civil Citation program in Florida’s Second Judicial Circuit is a pre-arrest direct diversion program used by law enforcement officers to address adults accused of certain first-time misdemeanor offenses. The program affords eligible adults the opportunity to participate in community-based intervention, allowing those who successfully complete to maintain a clean criminal record that shows no arrest has taken place. The intervention program is based on a comprehensive assessment (the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs-Short Screen (GAIN-SS)) which is used to inform behavioral health specialists in developing individualized intervention plans intended to reduce first-time misdemeanor offenders’ likelihood of committing another criminal offense. The GAIN provides screeners with information related to internalizing disorders, externalizing disorders, substance use disorders, and propensity for involvement in future crime or violence. This paper examines these mental and behavioral health indicators as they relate to successful Adult Civil Citation program completion, as well as post-program recidivism. Results demonstrate the importance of properly considering these mental and behavioral health needs to maximize program benefits and minimize future involvement in the criminal justice system.

Authors

• Albert Kopak, Western Carolina University

• Greg Frost, DISC Village, Inc.