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