Jail Diversion Program
Jail diversion, or alternative sentencing, is a program designed specifically for drug and alcohol offenders. An individual’s case must be a drug and alcohol offense with a non-violent nature to be eligible for this program. Jail diversion is the preferred approach for non-violent offenders because it allows them to keep their job, continue to earn a living while supporting their family and still able to be a contributing member of society. The judge makes the final decision on these cases and depending on the facts presenting in the case and the offender’s circumstances may or may not grant the request.
Benefits of Jail Diversion Programs
Studies have shown that jail diversion programs have a high potential for positive results. They have also found that jail diversion reduces incarceration time without increasing the risk to public safety and helps to provide participants with much needed community based services for the treatment of their addiction. Jail diversion is not a new concept but has been gaining popularity due to several key factors; it has proven to be more effective in providing rehabilitation, the risk of re-offense is much lower among participants and it ensures that drug and alcohol addicted individuals will receive treatment. On top of that, it has the potential to provide relief to over-crowded jails and offers budgetary savings when compared to housing the non-violent offenders.
Steps to Create a Successful Jail Diversion Program
For the program to be successful and individual needs to consistently receive full support. The jail diversion program was designed with this in mind. The first step is a thorough evaluation and assessment of the individual then the options for diversion are presented to the court. In that presentation there is a plan that includes options such as intensive case management services, individual and group therapy requirements, medication management and referral to a treatment program when appropriate. There are certain offenders who make better candidates for alternative sentencing then others. Those who acknowledge that their previous behavior was self-destructive often have a higher success rate in their ongoing treatment program. These individuals also have the capacity to adopt new skills and coping mechanisms that will help them deal with and express feelings. These are all contributing factors to an individual’s success while completing and alternative sentencing program.
Individuals deemed eligible for alternative sentencing will receive treatment for their mental health and substance abuse conditions in a timely manner. They will either avoid incarceration altogether or receive a shortened sentence. We will complete a pre-admission screening and determine eligibility for admission into the program. Call today to ask us about alternative sentencing options that could benefit you or a loved one.
