A Process Evaluation of Philadelphia’s Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) Diversion Program

• In Event: A Multifaceted Exploration of Legal Financial Obligations (LFOs) in Philadelphia

Abstract

Objective: To understand and assess the flow of cases through Philadelphia’s ARD diversion program, with an emphasis on reasons for initial ineligibility determinations and program attrition (e.g., LFO non-payment), and potential sources of racial/ethnic and economic inequality.

Data/Methods: Primary data come from informational meetings with court stakeholders, surveys and interviews with ARD participants, and a review of agency documentation. Secondary data come from administrative data sets provided by the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office (DAO) and the Adult Probation and Parole Department (APPD). Descriptive analyses determine the rate of ineligibility and program attrition for ARD referrals (and by demographic subgroups), and qualitative analyses further contextualize these results.

Results: Many individuals are determined ineligible for ARD or leave the program before completion (for myriad reasons). These patterns are not distributed evenly across demographic subgroups. The results support that there are actionable steps that can improve program entrance, completion, and expungement rates.

Conclusions/Implications: Understanding the processes and policies that undergird diversion program implementation is key to identifying and contextualizing potential areas of concern, including racial/ethnic or socioeconomic disparities that are linked to LFO non-payment. This has important implications for reducing the collateral consequences of justice involvement, particularly for marginalized groups.

Authors

• Nate Link, Rutgers University, Camden

• C. Clare Strange, Drexel University

• Jordan Hyatt, Drexel University

• Kathleen Powell, Drexel University