"Rediversion in Two Postbooking Jail Diversion Programs in Florida" by Marcus T. Boccaccini, Annette Christy et al.
 

Rediversion in Two Postbooking Jail Diversion Programs in Florida

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-2005

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.56.7.835

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Patterns of rediversion in two postbooking jail diversion programs in Florida were examined to better understand the extent to which diversion programs served repeating clients. Rediversion occurs when a former or current diversion program participant is booked into jail on a new charge and diverted once again through the same diversion program. METHODS: Data from 18 months of consecutive entries into the Hillsborough County jail diversion program (N=336) and Broward County mental health court (N=800) were examined. RESULTS: Similar rediversion patterns were observed for the two diversion programs. About one-fifth of those who were diverted during the 18-month study period were rediverted at least once. Nearly half of those who experienced rediversion did so within 90 days of their initial diversion. Although fewer than 6 percent were rediverted two or more times, these individuals accounted for a disproportionately large number of overall diversions and were rediverted more quickly than those with only one rediversion. CONCLUSIONS: The diversion programs examined here appear to be experiencing a level of repeating clients similar to that observed in other pathways for accessing mental health treatment.

Was this content written or created while at USF?

Yes

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Psychiatric Services, v. 56, issue 7, p. 835-839

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