We talk with Arkansas' Attorney General about Community Diversion and a Representative from Fort Smith where the courts, law enforcement, and community providers are usually connected in innovative ways.
The way forward is to run a pilot 'Community Diversion' program in around 10 different courts to define common measures and procedures and then assess outcomes across a broad range of factors including litigant substance use, housing, employment, and ability to satisfy unresolved legal obligations. Around 60 leaders including several judges are convening at the Rockefeller Institute in March of 2023 to plan a pilot.
Many Arkansans in prison and/or with children in the child welfare system started their legal engagement with misdemeanor crimes like traffic tickets, driving with no insurance, or theft. Community Diversion in District Courts is a key move to prevent future incarceration and/or foster care.
Thanks to:
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin
Representative Cindy Crawford
Winthrop Rockefeller Institute Executive Director Janet Harris
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