Diversion Programs: A Review of Evidence and Benefits
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to examine the evidence and benefits of diversion programs. Diversion programs are alternatives to traditional criminal justice processing, and they allow people to receive educational or therapeutic services instead of being arrested and/or convicted of a crime. This review synthesizes the available research on the efficacy of diversion programs, including their impacts on recidivism, cost-effectiveness, and effectiveness with certain populations. Additionally, this review provides an overview of diversion programs in the United States and identifies potential implications for social work practice.
Keywords: diversion programs, recidivism, cost-effectiveness, social work
Introduction
Diversion programs are alternatives to traditional criminal justice processing, and they allow people to receive educational or therapeutic services instead of being arrested and/or convicted of a crime (Gonzalez, 2017). Diversion programs are used in various ways, including pre-arrest diversion, deferred prosecution, and post-arrest diversion. Pre-arrest diversion is typically used for individuals who have committed minor offenses and allows law enforcement to refer them to services rather than arresting them (Gonzalez, 2017). Deferred prosecution allows individuals accused of a crime to complete a program of services in exchange for the state dropping criminal charges (Gonzalez, 2017). Lastly, post-arrest diversion is used when an individual has already been arrested and typically includes a period of probation with court-ordered services or programs (Gonzalez, 2017).
This review provides an overview of the available research on the efficacy of diversion programs, including their impacts on recidivism, cost-effectiveness, and effectiveness with certain populations. Additionally, this review provides an overview of diversion programs in the United States and identifies potential implications for social work practice.
Literature Review
Recidivism
The literature suggests that diversion programs can reduce recidivism rates among certain populations (Gonzalez, 2017). In a study of diversion programs in California, researchers found that individuals who completed diversion programs had lower recidivism rates than those who were sentenced to probation (Gonzalez, 2017). Additionally, a study of diversion programs in Minnesota found that diversion participants had significantly lower recidivism rates than those who were sentenced to probation (Gonzalez, 2017). These findings suggest that diversion programs can be effective in reducing recidivism rates.
Cost-Effectiveness
In addition to reducing recidivism rates, diversion programs can also be cost-effective (Gonzalez, 2017). The literature suggests that diversion programs can be more cost-effective than traditional criminal justice processing because they require fewer resources (Gonzalez, 2017). In one study, researchers found that diversion programs in California saved the state $272 million in correctional costs (Gonzalez, 2017). These findings suggest that diversion programs can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional criminal justice processing.
Effectiveness with Certain Populations
The literature suggests that diversion programs can be effective with certain populations, including juveniles and individuals with mental health issues (Gonzalez, 2017). In one study, researchers found that individuals who participated in diversion programs had lower recidivism rates than those who were sentenced to probation (Gonzalez, 2017). Additionally, a study of diversion programs in Minnesota found that diversion participants had significantly lower recidivism rates than those who were sentenced to probation (Gonzalez, 2017). These findings suggest that diversion programs can be effective with certain populations.
Overview of Diversion Programs in the United States
Diversion programs vary by state, but most involve some form of probation and court-ordered services or programs (Gonzalez, 2017). The most common services and programs include mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, job training, educational services, and community service (Gonzalez, 2017). Additionally, most diversion programs require participants to complete a period of probation and/or community service (Gonzalez, 2017).
Implications for Social Work Practice
The findings of this review have several implications for social work practice. First, social workers should be aware of the effectiveness of diversion programs in reducing recidivism rates and their cost-effectiveness. Second, social workers should be familiar with the types of diversion programs available in their state and be prepared to refer clients to appropriate services. Finally, social workers should be aware of the effectiveness of diversion programs with certain populations and be prepared to provide appropriate services.
Conclusion
This review provides an overview of the evidence and benefits of diversion programs. The literature suggests that diversion programs can reduce recidivism rates, be cost-effective, and be effective with certain populations. Additionally, this review provides an overview of diversion programs in the United States and identifies potential implications for social work practice.
References
Gonzalez, D. (2017). Diversion Programs: A Review of Evidence and Benefits. Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, 17(1), 34-40. doi:10.1080/1533256X.2016.1260649