Many Arkansans in prison and/or with children in the child welfare system started their legal engagement with misdemeanor crimes like traffic tickets, driving with no insurance, or theft. Some District Court Judges are taking steps to provide access to services that address root issues that might lead to incarceration and/or foster care for their children.
Season 2 focuses on how these courts are improving public safety by addressing problems 'upstream' from felony crime and/or foster care. It is our hope that these stories will inspire a movement to make Community Diversion common in Arkansas' District Courts.
Some data pulled from existing programs show the impact to individuals. This data is only a sample of the participants in the courts known to us. A formal pilot is desired to use the same metrics to assess impact and ROI of Diversion programs.
Of 529 families served in the past three years where the parent(s) had their driver's license suspended due to a court issue,
31% also had a child welfare case of some kind.
- Families that are struggling to pay court fees and fines often find themselves in additional trouble with child welfare systems. One crisis often leads to another.
61% were unemployed with no income from any source.
- Payment of fees or fines is exceedingly difficult and usually a lower priority than shelter, food, or escape through substances.
31% had misused drugs or alcohol in the past 30 days and were in need of recovery support
Engagement by case managers and connection to community provides had the following outcomes:
48% decrease in the percentage of families in legal crisis with a warrant out for their arrest.
Almost 100 of these parents were able to completely stabilize their legal situation, becoming current on their fees and fines.
155% increased transportation stability (reliable/legal transportation).
89% increase in full-time employment.
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