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Article
Rediversion in Two Postbooking Jail Diversion Programs in Florida
Psychiatric Services
  • Marcus T. Boccaccini, Sam Houston State University
  • Annette Christy, University of South Florida
  • Norman Poythress, University of South Florida
  • David Kershaw, Mental Health Care, Inc
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-1-2005
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.

Citation / Publisher Attribution

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

Citation Information
Marcus T. Boccaccini, Annette Christy, Norman Poythress and David Kershaw. "Rediversion in Two Postbooking Jail Diversion Programs in Florida" Psychiatric Services Vol. 56 Iss. 7 (2005) p. 835 - 839
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/annette_christy/5/