Experiences with the Philadelphia police assisted diversion program: A qualitative study

Mixed methods evaluation of a jail diversion program: Impact on arrests and functioning

“…Participants referred both to the social support provided by peers who were also involved in the program as well as friends and family members outside of the program. This is consistent with findings from previous program evaluations where social support was a beneficial mechanism of the program (Anderson et al, 2022; Barberi & Taxman, 2019; Duwe, 2012). Social support for behavior and attitudinal change can occur through emotional encouragement as well as the application of behavioral contingencies, such as verbal approval or positive affect from others after one engages in prosocial behaviors (Litt & Mallon, 2003).…”

“…Findings from a systematic review of quantitative and qualitative jail diversion studies suggest that participants report improvements in their autonomy, relationships with others, optimism, self-esteem, and overall quality of life (Blais et al, 2022). According to two qualitative studies, participants of diversion programs identified social support from peer specialists or from case managers as a beneficial component of the program (Anderson et al, 2022;Barberi & Taxman, 2019). Individuals also identified assistance with meeting basic need (e.g., food) and assistance with personal identification and health care as valuable components of the program (Anderson et al, 2022).…”

“…According to two qualitative studies, participants of diversion programs identified social support from peer specialists or from case managers as a beneficial component of the program (Anderson et al, 2022;Barberi & Taxman, 2019). Individuals also identified assistance with meeting basic need (e.g., food) and assistance with personal identification and health care as valuable components of the program (Anderson et al, 2022). These findings indicate that jail diversion programs may provide individuals with increased social support and access to resources that could improve their quality of life.…”

Resident Perspectives on a Pre-booking Diversion Program

“…This survey is part of a larger program evaluation and builds off interviews with 30 PAD clients, 15 police officers, and 12 personnel who designed and implement PAD (Anderson et al, 2022), and a survey of 204 police officers in the districts offering PAD (Shefner et al, 2023). Respondents in both the interviews and survey suggested that differences between the pilot zones present important operational challenges and may influence how community members experience and perceive the program.…”

Editorial

“…These programs, which include models such as prearrest diversion and behavioral health alternative response programs, seek to replace traditional law enforcement with behavioral health treatment and case management services, diverting people before they are exposed to the harms of the criminal legal system. Yet the potential of these interventions is limited by deficiencies in the underlying social service infrastructure; even the best case managers cannot refer participants to services which do not exist (Anderson et al , 2023). Just as critically, these programs rely on the ability of participants to show up even while in in crisis.…”