new orleans diversion then and now leon a. cannizzaro jr. orleans parish district attorney andree...

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

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

Where We Were

In 2008 participants totaled 300

Where We Are

Current population 940

Both Past and Present Voluntary Participation

• Past- Primarily 1st Offense Drug Charges- Possession of Marijuana,Cocaine and Heroin

• Current-Non-violent felony chargesGuns with drugs and distribution excludedPrimarily 1st and 2nd time offendersTracks 1 and 2

Considerations • Past- 1st offenders only with financial means to

pay fee

• CurrentPrior arrests and convictionsWeapons only offensesDefendants charged with PWITProperty crimes – Track 1• RestitutionHistory of prior community supervisionMotivation and desire to change

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

Juvenile Diversion

Past- mimicked adult program

Current- Different types of crimesCommunity MentorsTurning Point -Talking CirclesCommunity Speakers

Database

• Past – no computer database

• Current-DatabaseG-SafeDisaster 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 Mattixamattix@orleansda.com

504-822-2414