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New Orleans Diversion Then and Now

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.

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New Orleans Diversion Then and Now

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  1. New Orleans DiversionThen 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

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

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

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

  5. Considerations • Past- 1st 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

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

  7. Juvenile Diversion Past- mimicked adult program Current- • Different types of crimes • Community Mentors • Turning Point -Talking Circles • Community Speakers

  8. Database • Past – no computer database • Current- • Database • G-Safe • Disaster Plans Office Individual

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

  10. 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.”

  11. Contact InformationAndree Mattixamattix@orleansda.com504-822-2414

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