Arkansas acknowledges the need for innovative solutions to tackle the causes of criminal behavior. In recent years, diversion courts have become a promising way to break the cycle of incarceration and give individuals a chance to rehabilitate and reintegrate into society.
How do diversion programs work?
Diversion courts offer treatment programs to steer certain offenders away from traditional criminal justice processes and towards rehabilitation.
These courts try to deal with the root causes of criminal behavior, such as substance abuse, mental health disorders and the unmet needs of veterans.
Diversion courts help keep certain offenders from committing more crimes and aim to improve public safety while guiding individuals toward treatment instead of traditional punishment.
Specialized courts
Diversion courts in Arkansas cater specifically to various groups, including:
- People struggling with substance abuse
- People dealing with untreated mental health disorders
- Veterans who have suffered trauma
Collaborative approach
Diversion courts require collaboration among various professionals to achieve common goals.
Examples of treatment programs
There are many forms of treatment available to participants of diversion courts, including:
- Counseling sessions
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Substance abuse treatment
- Vocational training
- Educational programs
- Community service programs
Diversion courts in Arkansas benefit individuals and positively impact communities across the state. These courts are at the forefront of innovative approaches to criminal justice reform.
Instead of punishing certain offenders, these courts offer them treatment to heal their addiction, mental health disorders or trauma and help them reintegrate into society.