The District Attorney Community Justice Initiative
- Description
- "Under the DAs Community Justice Initiative, instead of being prosecuted for the low-level crime, the District Attorney offers another option: agree to 12 hours of cognitive behavioral therapy and four hours of volunteer work in the community. After completing the program, the case is dismissed and the individuals record is sealed. Only non-violent and non-sexual offenses qualify for the program. https://danewscenter.com/news/new-program-steers-low-level-offenders-away-convictions-and-jail"
- How long has the program been operating?
- 2-4 years
- If applicable, what approach, method, or goal best describes the diversion program?
- Restorative justiceReducing contact with formal court processingIntervening early with young peopleOther
- At what stage of the process does the diversion program occur?
- Other
- How are participants identified for the diversion program?
- Line prosecutor who receives case decides about diversionOther
- Are there any factors specific to your jurisdiction that influence how you structure this diversion program?
- None
- Does your office have informal or written policies about this diversion program's criteria/eligibility?
- Yes
- What are the programmatic options and/or requirements for the diversion?
- Attend programming that is not a behavioral health interventionPay restitutionPay fines or feesComplete community serviceOther
- How does the diversion program impact your office's resources?
- Programmatic costs are covered by prosecutor’s office
"CJI is meant to address criminal thinking and teaching the participant to make better choices and decisions, set goals and values, build self-esteem and increase victim empathy."
"CJI is post-plea but pre-sentencing. If the participant completes the 12 hour CBT course and the 4 hours of volunteer work or needs assessment, the participant is allowed to withdraw the plea and the case is dismissed."
"Participants do an intake with the program provider. They must complete a 12 hour Cognitive Behavior Therapy course designed for this program. Additionally, participants must complete 4 hours of volunteer work at the non-profit of their choosing OR participate in a needs assessment where they will be referred to services as indicated by the assessment."
"The participant pays a $150 fee directly to the service provider. However, this does not cover the costs of the services being provided. The DA pays the balance out of her budget."
