Examining A Diversion Program For Firearm Possession In Philadelphia

• In Event: Justice System Impact

Abstract

In many jurisdictions across the nation, diversion programs are only offered to people who have committed low-level offenses, or with no or very minor arrest histories. Any arrest involving a weapon would immediately be excluded from most programs—including weapon possession. However, in 2021 the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office implemented the Alternative Felony Disposition Program (AFD), offering a diversion opportunity for people who have no, or very limited, criminal histories whose most serious charge is weapon possession (18 PaCS 6106 or 18 PaCS 6108). The robust program involving partnership with a community-based service provider, seeks to mitigate the harm of system contact via personalized support from social workers and group cognitive behavioral therapy with peers (CBT). In collaboration with colleagues implementing the program, we examined whether AFD was helping improve recidivism and life outcomes. We found that, compared to dismissed or withdrawn cases in the same time frame, AFD participants had a relatively low 12-month recidivism rate following program completion. Additionally, the program helped people reach their personal goals, such as full-time employment and educational attainment. We discuss the logic and potential of such diversion programming, as well as challenges to implementation, program completion, and data collection.

Authors

• Kate Kelly, Philadelphia District Attorney's Office

• Jessica Hayes, Philadelphia District Attorney's Office

• Grace Hale, Philadelphia District Attorney's Office

• Juncheng Liu, Philadelphia District Attorney's Office

• Charles J. Arayata, Philadelphia District Attorney's Office