Ontario County Alternatives To Incarceration: Felony Diversion Program

Felony Diversion Program

Over six years ago the Ontario County Probation Department implemented the Felony Diversion Program with a grant from NYS. The purpose was to divert individuals from state prison and intensely supervise them while providing them with necessary services. The individuals chosen must be ready to change. Changing behaviors and attitudes is the primary focus of the program.

The intensive supervision includes a weekly group co-facilitated by Sr. Probation Officer Carol Marthaller, and psychologist, Joel Schorr. Dr. Schorr believes that the blend of a therapist and a probation officer is essential. The group started with four males. Currently, the group includes thirteen males and two females. There have been successes and failures. Of the forty sentenced to the program, fourteen have failed and have been returned to jail or prison, 10 have either completed their five years or received early discharges and sixteen remain active (one out of county).

Besides attending weekly groups, each probationer reports to the probation officer weekly for a minimum of six months. Home visits to breathalyze are also done on a regular basis. After three years, the minimum amount of time each individual will spend in this program, the probation officer has a pretty good sense of how each is doing. If the individual has had a lengthy period of stability, an early discharge may then be requested from the judge.

Dr. Schorr believes that the high success rate of the program is attributable to a number of indispensable factors that include the following.

An accurate screening process
The length of the program allows for the interventions and learning to take hold
The blend of setting up and enacting a system of freedom well within defined limits allows for development of inner controls that lead to less recidivism

We have seen that some individuals have found their lives again and are clearer on what they have to do to maintain a productive lifestyle.

Once in a while a group member will express his/her gratitude for not having been sent to state prison as a result of their conviction. Even after years of doing this group, this probation officer still is surprised-and pleased-when she hears that.

Most of the current group, with the exception of the newest members who haven't been involved long enough to be assessed, have done exceptionally well. They have decided that they don-t like being incarcerated and are learning new ways to live their lives and deal with problem areas.

	Felony Diversion Program Over six years ago the Ontario County Probation Department implemented the Felony Diversion Program with a grant from NYS. The purpose was to divert individuals from state prison and intensely supervise them while providing them with necessary services. The individuals chosen must be ready to change. Changing behaviors and attitudes is the primary focus of the program. The intensive supervision includes a weekly group co-facilitated by Sr. Probation Officer Carol Marthaller, and psychologist, Joel Schorr. Dr. Schorr believes that the blend of a therapist and a probation officer is essential. The group started with four males. Currently, the group includes thirteen males and two females. There have been successes and failures. Of the forty sentenced to the program, fourteen have failed and have been returned to jail or prison, 10 have either completed their five years or received early discharges and sixteen remain active (one out of county). Besides attending weekly groups, each probationer reports to the probation officer weekly for a minimum of six months. Home visits to breathalyze are also done on a regular basis. After three years, the minimum amount of time each individual will spend in this program, the probation officer has a pretty good sense of how each is doing. If the individual has had a lengthy period of stability, an early discharge may then be requested from the judge. Dr. Schorr believes that the high success rate of the program is attributable to a number of indispensable factors that include the following. An accurate screening process The length of the program allows for the interventions and learning to take hold The blend of setting up and enacting a system of freedom well within defined limits allows for development of inner controls that lead to less recidivism We have seen that some individuals have found their lives again and are clearer on what they have to do to maintain a productive lifestyle. Once in a while a group member will express his/her gratitude for not having been sent to state prison as a result of their conviction. Even after years of doing this group, this probation officer still is surprised-and pleased-when she hears that. Most of the current group, with the exception of the newest members who haven't been involved long enough to be assessed, have done exceptionally well. They have decided that they don-t like being incarcerated and are learning new ways to live their lives and deal with problem areas. \| County Administrator's Remarks Open NIC Conference \| Felony Diversion Program \| Healing Principles Studied \| \| Importance of Core Services \| Drug Courts Continue To Move Forward \| Restorative Models Presented \| \| October Was Domestic Violence Awareness Month \| Police - Mental Health Partnership \| \| Pretrial Release Program Meets Goals \| Message From The ATI Coordinator \| ATI Home Page \|