LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) - A new diversion program in Kansas is working to keep women with addictions out of jail by helping them get clean.
The Douglas County Women’s Substance Use Disorder Prosecutor-Led Diversion and Treatment Program started this month, the Lawrence Journal-World reported .
The program is only for women who live in the county, have at least one prior offense on their records, have a diagnosed substance abuse disorder and agree to participate in a treatment plan for at least a year. The program is meant for women with nonviolent misdemeanor charges, but felony or violent charges will be considered based on individual cases.
People were interested in these podcasts
“Their crimes are usually felonies but of a nonviolent nature,” said Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson. “Because of the nature of the crime, often they are released on bond and reoffend, or fail on bond before their original court case is concluded.”
The program includes a collection of wraparound services, such as detox, inpatient or intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, housing assistance and child care.
“The goal of this program is to divert the participant from the jail to a treatment-based diversion program that will offer a chance for recovery and support,” Branson said. “The ultimate goal is to stop the revolving door of incarceration.”
There are no applications or fees for participants. Instead, re-entry case managers will propose potential participants to the prosecutor’s office, which reviews the cases and notifies eligible women’s attorneys to invite them to participate.
The program will accept up to 12 participants a year.
___
Information from: Lawrence (Kan.) Journal-World, http://www.ljworld.com
Please read our comment policy before commenting.