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 Attorneys Office

A History of Diversion in
New Orleans
1992- diversion program begins with 1 st
time offenders arrested for possession of
marijuana 2003-2007 -diversion pre and post Katrina
The need for change
2009 current diversion programming
begins

Where We Were
In 2008 participants totaled 300

Where We Are
Current population 940

Both Past and Present

Voluntary Participation
Past- Primarily 1st Offense Drug ChargesPossession of Marijuana,Cocaine and Heroin
CurrentNon-violent felony charges
Guns with drugs and distribution excluded
Primarily 1st and 2nd time offenders
Tracks 1 and 2

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

Policy and Procedures

Past- Originally at inception professionals in
substance abuse later staff credentials varied widely
Cases were dismissed upon acceptance
2003-2008 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

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

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

Challenges

Costs of Drug testing for Track 2

Lack of available treatment options
Incentives/Sanctions
Language barriers

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.

Contact Information
Andree Mattix
amattix@orleansda.com
504-822-2414