Prosecutor-Led Diversion Program as a Bridge to Community-Based Services

• In Event: Innovations in Prosection: Initial Screening Decisions and Diversion Programs

Abstract

Reset is a pretrial prosecutor-led diversion model focused on low-level offenses with a brief community-based intervention rather than traditional case processing. Though prosecutors are tasked with enforcing laws, they also can work collaboratively with community organizations and social service agencies to connect individuals with a range of social and behavioral services that otherwise may be inaccessible or unknown to those from under-resourced communities. This proactive approach to prosecution can reduce the burden on an already congested criminal legal system while also ensuring the response to low-level offenses is proportionate and aligned with the principles of fairness and equity.

Reset participants attend a group workshop led by trained behavioral health facilitators that utilizes aspects of goal-setting, cultural sensitivity, and restorative justice. Following the workshop, participants are introduced to a broad network of free or subsidized community services to use at their disposal. This presentation will utilize data from the two jurisdictions implementing Reset, participant survey data, and qualitative interview data to describe the services needs and receipt for program participants. Additionally, we explore the delicate balancing act these prosecutors have in being bridge to health and social services and the criminal legal system while seeking accountability and ensuring public safety.

Authors

• Venita Embry, RTI International

• Chase Lacy Montagnet, RTI International

• Christopher Scott Inkpen, RTI International

• Kristin Bechtel, RTI International

• Alexia Walker, RTI International