New Orleans Diversion Then and Now Leon A

New Orleans Diversion Then and Now Leon A. Cannizzaro Jr. Orleans Parish District Attorney Andree Mattix M. Ed. , L. P. C. , L. M. F. T. Director of Social Services Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office

A History of Diversion in New Orleans • 1992 - diversion program begins with 1 st time offenders arrested for possession of marijuana • 2003 -2007 -diversion pre and post Katrina • The need for change • 2009 – current diversion programming begins

Where We Were In 2008 participants totaled 300 Where We Are Current population 940

Both Past and Present Voluntary Participation • Past- Primarily 1 st Offense Drug Charges. Possession of Marijuana, Cocaine and Heroin • Current. Non-violent felony charges Guns with drugs and distribution excluded Primarily 1 st and 2 nd time offenders Tracks 1 and 2

Considerations • Past- 1 st offenders only with financial means to pay fee • Current Prior arrests and convictions Weapons only offenses Defendants charged with PWIT Property crimes – Track 1 • Restitution History of prior community supervision Motivation and desire to change

Policy and Procedures • Past- Originally at inception professionals in substance abuse – later staff credentials varied widely Ø Cases were dismissed upon acceptance Ø 2003 -2008 office visits and client contact were not required except during intake and exit Ø Fees much higher • Current Ø Cases nolle prosequi upon acceptance Ø During the assessment phase office visits are required 1 x per week for the first 8 -12 weeks. Ø $200 fee

Juvenile Diversion Past- mimicked adult program CurrentØ Different types of crimes Ø Community Mentors Ø Turning Point -Talking Circles Ø Community Speakers

Database • Past – no computer database • CurrentØ Database Ø G-Safe Ø Disaster Plans Office Individual

Challenges • • Costs of Drug testing for Track 2 Lack of available treatment options Incentives/Sanctions Language barriers

Success • Recidivism • Non- Profit Partnerships • Exit Interview “ The program opened my eyes and gave me another chance at life” “My counselor really showed interest in my well-being, she helped me help myself” “The program helped me to get clean/sober it was the motivator to start the process” “The program helped me to stay away from negative people and troublemakers” “ I found out I can enjoy life without using. ”

Contact Information Andree Mattix amattix@orleansda. com 504 -822 -2414