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Adult Diversion
A
second chance to become a contributing, productive
member
of the community
Operation de Novo’s Adult Diversion
Program was developed in 1971 to provide direct client services to
people diverted from Hennepin County District Court and its
municipalities. The
criteria for diversion includes that a client:
 |
Is
charged with a property offense |
|
Has
prosecutorial approval |
|
Has
no prior felony convictions |
|
Is 18
years of age or older |
In its first year of existence, the
program served only clients charged with misdemeanor offenses.
In 1972, the intake criteria were expanded to accept people
charged with felony offenses. Currently,
over 90% of the adult clients are charged with felonies.
In order for a person to enter into the
program, an intake interview is scheduled with the Court Screening
Unit to assess the appropriateness of the referral.
The intake process may include a restitution investigation,
if warranted. When
clients are found suitable for diversion and accepted into the
program, a Counselor is assigned to work with them throughout their
duration in the program.
Typical conditions of diversion for a
client include:
|
Agreeing
to voluntarily join the program |
|
Waiving
the right to a speedy trial upon legal advice |
|
Meeting
with the program counselor at agreed upon times
|
|
Paying
restitution, when applicable |
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Following
chemical dependency requirements, when indicated |
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Having
no felony convictions |
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Following
mental health requirements, when indicated
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Operation de Novo provides direct client services in
the area of case management, group and individual counseling,
chemical assessment, collection of restitution and community
referrals. When clients
have successfully completed the program, a recommendation is made to
the County Attorney’s Office for a dismissal of the pending
charge. Failure to
complete the program will result in the case being charged by the
court system. |
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Operation de Novo, Inc.
