NCJ Number
12867
Date Published
1972
Length
105 pages
Annotation
HISTORY, PROGRAM ACTIVITIES, AND OPERATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS OF A COMMUNITY-BASED PRE-TRIAL DIVERSION PROGRAM FOR FIRST OFFENDER MISDEMEANANTS.
Abstract
PROJECT INTERCEPT IS A REHABILITATIVE PROGRAM WHICH PROVIDES JOB PLACEMENT, COUNSELING VOCATIONAL AND ACADEMIC EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, PLUS INDIVIDUALIZED SUPPORTIVE SERVICES SUCH AS EMERGENCY LOANS, STIPENDS FOR TEMPORARY SELF AND FAMILY SUPPORT, AND REFERRALS TO A VARIETY OF SOCIAL SERVICES AGENCIES. INTERCEPT IS STAFFED LARGELY BY NON-SPECIALIST, PROFESSIONALLY NON-ACCREDITED PERSONNEL AND ALSO EMPLOYS EX-OFFENDER PARAPROFESSIONALS IN BOTH TREATMENT STAFF AND ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS. THE PROJECT HAS MET WITH GENERALLY VERY FAVORABLE REACTION IN THE THREE-COUNTY AREA IT SERVES, AND REPORTS INCREASING RECOGNITION OF ITS POTENTIAL BY JUDGES, PROSECUTORS, PUBLIC DEFENDERS AND SHERIFF'S OFFICES. ALTHOUGH PRESENT ENROLLMENT CRITERIA ALLOW ONLY MISDEMEANANTS, AGE 18 TO 26, STUDY IS UNDER WAY FOR INCLUSION OF FELONS. OTHER INNOVATIONS INCLUDE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CONTROL GROUP AGAINST WHICH TO MEASURE THE PROJECT'S EFFECTS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ON-GOING PUBLIC RELATIONS PROGRAM TO BROADEN PROJECT INFLUENCE WITHIN THE INVOLVED COMMUNITIES.