1. New Orleans Diversion Then and Now
Leon A. Cannizzaro Jr.
Orleans Parish District Attorney
Andree Mattix M.Ed.,L.P.C. ,L.M.F.T.
Director of Social Services
Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office

2. A History of Diversion in New Orleans
1992- diversion program begins with 1st time offenders arrested for possession of marijuana-
diversion pre and post Katrina
The need for change
2009 – current diversion programming begins

3. Where We Were Where We Are In 2008 participants totaled 300
Current population 940

4. Both Past and Present Voluntary Participation
Past- Primarily 1st Offense Drug Charges- Possession of Marijuana,Cocaine and Heroin
Current-
Non-violent felony charges
Guns with drugs and distribution excluded
Primarily 1st and 2nd time offenders
Tracks 1 and 2

5. Considerations
Past- 1st offenders only with financial means to pay fee
Current
Prior arrests and convictions
Weapons only offenses
Defendants charged with PWIT
Property crimes – Track 1
Restitution
History of prior community supervision
Motivation and desire to change

6. Policy and Procedures
Past- Originally at inception professionals in substance abuse – later staff credentials varied widely
Cases were dismissed upon acceptance
office visits and client contact were not required except during intake and exit
Fees much higher
Current
Cases nolle prosequi upon acceptance
During the assessment phase office visits are required 1x per week for the first 8-12 weeks.
$200 fee

7. Juvenile Diversion Past- mimicked adult program Current-
Different types of crimes
Community Mentors
Turning Point -Talking Circles
Community Speakers

8. Database Past – no computer database Current- Database G-Safe
Disaster Plans
Office
Individual

9. Challenges Costs of Drug testing for Track 2
Lack of available treatment options
Incentives/Sanctions
Language barriers

10. Success Recidivism Non- Profit Partnerships Exit Interview
“ The program opened my eyes and gave me another chance at life”
“My counselor really showed interest in my well-being, she helped me help myself”
“The program helped me to get clean/sober it was the motivator to start the process”
“The program helped me to stay away from negative people and troublemakers”
“ I found out I can enjoy life without using.”

11. Contact Information Andree Mattix