NCJ Number
194188
Date Published
1999
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This chapter discusses the pretrial Diversionary Program of the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s office.
Abstract
Implemented in 1974, the program was established as an alternative treatment option to prosecution for eligible nonviolent new offenders. While these individuals are technically innocent, many have a high level of motivation to comply with treatment because of the pending charges. Many treatment providers view this as an ideal time to offer treatment opportunities. The program offers state-of-the-art drug testing, effective interventions to criminal lifestyles and drug addiction, case management and treatment services, an effective means to reduce court dockets, and the potential for huge cost savings. With substance abuse cases, the primary requirements are to meet with a case manager/counselor on a regular schedule, complete treatment recommendations, abstain from the use of alcohol and drugs, be employed and/or educationally active, and pay drug testing costs and program fees based on income. The methods of drug testing include urinalysis, hair analysis, and ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). The use of varied technologies in combination with each other offers many advantages, such as assisting in the initial assessment of a client’s involvement with drugs, and close monitoring of current drug usage with immediacy of results. Case management includes the traditional components of assessing, planning, linking, monitoring, supporting, and advocating for clients in treatment and social services. Violations between the program and the client result in a variety of graduated sanctions, including program time extensions, increased supervision schedules, intensification of treatment, and/or possible increased attendance at 12-step groups. Active clients are occasionally re-arrested on new charges. 18 references