NCJ Number
105473
Date Published
1987
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This report describes a number of pretrial diversionary models and prerelease programs in other jurisdictions and offers a model for a pretrial diversion program for drug-abusing offenders in Massachusetts.
Abstract
The proposed program would identify substance-abusing offenders at the outset of the criminal justice process, provide information to the courts to aid in decisionmaking (release, diversion, or incarceration), and reduce pressures on overburdened jails and prisons. The program also would emphasize the use of community resources in the treatment of these offenders and reduce substance dependency so that offender behavior is redirected away from crime and toward successful reintegration. Program components would include pretrial psychosocial assessment by a separate staff, sentencing recommendations based on this assessment, referral to treatment, supervision and monitoring of offender compliance with treatment, and case-tracking and program evaluation. Forms to be used in such a program are appended. 20 references.