Fully implemented in 2016, the Community Diversion Program utilizes a collaborative, problem solving approach, to crime designed to address recurring low level offenses that are of concern to the community.  Through partnerships with government, community, and treatment organizations, the Community Diversion Program endeavors to hold defendants accountable, address factors impacting defendants’ criminal behavior, improve the participant’s and the community’s quality of life, address victim needs and increase public confidence in the local criminal justice system. Community Diversion is part of a growing movement to address the root cause of so called quality of life crimes that are committed by chronic offenders.

The Community Diversion Program is a Legal Department initiative administered by the Prosecution Division.  Most participants have suffered childhood trauma and have substance abuse issues.  A review of past participants indicates a decrease in crime recidivism regardless of program completion.  The large number of overdose deaths in our community demonstrates the critical need for the program and the importance of having resources to support a participant who decides they are ready to embrace a lifestyle change.

The Professional Services Agreement submitted for your approval will secure case management and programming services provided by People for People.  Danielle Fish with People for People is our current program case manager.  She provides life skills programming including maintaining a schedule, resume development, and interview skills.  Ms. Fish and the rest of the Community Diversion Team regularly coordinate with Comprehensive Healthcare, treatment providers such as Triumph, and DSHS to meet the participant’s needs.

There are currently 15 active participants in the program, with 6 prospective participants in the assessment process.  This is a welcome increase in the number of participants following a period of depressed use during the pandemic.

This Agreement is needed to continue the Community Diversion Program in the current format through 2023.