If you would like the documents that went with this email, please email me and I will get them to you. Thanks! Laura
(From PDS Attorney Janet Mitchell)
Beginning September 6, 2016, the US Attorney’s office and
the OAG are offering two new diversion programs to clients who qualify. This
is not in lieu of already existing programs, this is in addition to those
programs and is open to more clients. I have attached a summary of
the programs’ requirements and eligibility as well contracts for the
programs.
Under the new options, a client can now get a DSA regardless
of how many prior misdemeanor convictions they have if they are deemed
eligible. They may also be eligible with prior felony convictions so long
as they are over 10 years old (including serving probation or parole).
The Employment Track diversion lasts for 6 months and
requires that the client be a resident of DC. After 8 weeks the
client is required to have finished a three-week life skills/job readiness class and be in substantial compliance with all requirements of either the Career Connections or Project
Empowerment programs. At the end of six months the client’s
case will be dismissed with prejudice if they have been an active participant
in Career Connections or Project Empowerment for two months, substantially
complied with the program’s requirements and not been rearrested.
The Education Track diversion lasts for six months
and requires that the client be a resident of DC, be between the ages of 16-24,
not already have a high school degree or GED and not presently be enrolled in
school. After 8 weeks the client must be have completed the intake process,
enrolled in a school or program or be awaiting enrollment and be in substantial
compliance with the Re-Engagement Center. At the end of six months
the client’s case will be dismissed with prejudice if they have not been
rearrested, been an active participant in the Re-Engagement Center, enrolled in
school or a program or working with their counselor to transfer to a school or
program or have completed their program or received a degree.