Evaluating the Prostitution-Related Diversion Programs in Phoenix, Arizona: The Correlates of Completion and New Arrests

• In Event: Inequalities and social justice in the CJS: Remembering Anat Kimchi

Abstract

The City of Phoenix runs two prostitution-related diversion programs that aim at reducing incarceration, promoting behavioral changes, and strengthening agency-community partnerships. As part of an evaluation project, we obtained and linked quantitative data from multiple sources, and studied the relationship between prostitution-related arrests, program completion, and post-completion arrests. In addition to demographic and charging variables, the completed dataset also includes risk and need factors of program participants. The study reveals the correlates of program enrollment and completion, as well as post-completion outcomes. We will also discuss the promises of the community-based programs for low-seriousness crimes.

Authors

• Shi Yan, Arizona State University

• Jessica Raskauskas, Arizona State University

• Benjamin Phillips, Arizona State University

• Marva Goodson, Arizona State University

• Kwan-Lamar Blount-Hill, Arizona State University