DIVERSION SERVICES


Our goal is to direct program participants toward positive, responsible, law-abiding behavior
Diversion Services is comprised of the following components:

   Tempe Youth Diversion Program

   Tempe Adult Diversion Program
   Tempe Adult Probation Services
   Tempe Substance Abuse Screening Service
Requirments
Community based program requirements can include: counseling, substance abuse treatment, educational workshops and community service work.

Tempe Youth Diversion Program

What is it?
The Tempe Youth Diversion Program, in cooperation with the Maricopa County Juvenile Court Probation Department, diverts first offenders from the juvenile justice system. Youth who participate in diversion avoid contact with the juvenile court and instead are involved in structured, community-based program. Eligible first offenses include shoplifting, petty theft, criminal trespass, criminal damage, and runaway.

The Youth Diversion Program also operates in cooperation with Tempe Municipal Court, Youth cited in the City of Tempe for curfew or alcohol violation are able to have their first offense dismissed upon successfully completion of the diversion program.

How does it work?
 
A referral from Maricopa County Juvenile Court or Tempe Municipal Court is received by the Tempe Youth Diversion Program. The referred youth and his or her parents are scheduled for an intake appointment with a counselor. During the initial session a psychosocial assessment will be completed to assist the counselor in developing an individualized program designed to address the needs of the youth.  Program requirements may include involvement in individual, family, and/or group counseling, attendance at a community education workshop, volunteer work at a non-profit organization in Tempe and participation in the Tempe Youth Employment Program. There is a $80 program fee due when the youth is accepted into the diversion program. In addition to the program fee there is usually an additional cost if youth is referred to counseling services or an educational workshop.
Goals of the Program:

  1. To direct the juvenile offender toward more positive and responsible behavior,

  2. To intercept the juvenile offender at an early stage to avoid the possibility of further progression to more serious offenses;
  3. To avoid the negative connotations associated with referral to juvenile court;
  4. To refer to professional counseling and other services to the youth when needed.

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Tempe Adult Diversion Program
Tempe Adult Diversion Program is an option for first-time offenders who have no prior criminal offenses in any jurisdiction. You must be formally charged with a criminal misdemeanor offense in the City of Tempe and you do not want to contest the charge (s).

To be accepted into the program you must:

Be a  first time offender formally charged with non-traffic criminal  

misdemeanor offense in the City of Tempe.
Not have any criminal misdemeanors or felony convictions as an adult in any jurisdiction.  Discovery of prior convictions at any time while participating in the program will result in automatic revocation from the program.
 
Not have previously participated in a misdemeanor or felony adult program in any jurisdiction.

Not have other criminal charges pending in any jurisdiction.

Make restitution to the victim if applicable.

Attend monthly appointments with your diversion counselor for the duration of your Program.

Assume responsibility for your offense (s).

Cooperate with the Adult Diversion Program.

Sign the Covenant Not to Sue the victim and the State.

Requirements

All program participants are required to complete a psychosocial assessment as part of the program.  There will be other program requirements which depend upon the type of offence committed and the particular needs of the individual. Typical program requirements include individual and/or group counseling, psycho-educational workshops, high school GED classes, vocational training, and community service work. Program requirements will be determined at the intake appointments.
Duration
The Program length is usually six (6) months for most offences. Individuals referred for assault: domestic violence, public sexual indecency and indecent exposure participate in a nine (9) month program. For cases requiring extensive treatment, the program may be extended up to one (1) year.
Benefits
The Tempe Adult Diversion Program attempts to direct the first offender toward more positive and responsible behavior and to provide counseling and other services where needed. Successful completion of the program will result in the dismissal of the participant's criminal charges. The program participant avoids the stigma and repercussions of a criminal conviction.

Fees

There is a one time non-refundable $90.00 assessment fee at the time of the intake.  The assessment will not be performed if the participant fails to pay the fee and the intake appointment will have to be rescheduled.  An intake appointment may only be rescheduled once and there is a $15.00 rescheduling fee.  Intake appointments must be rescheduled within (1) one week or the case will be referred back to court.  Cash, credit and debit cards accepted.  No personal checks are accepted.

In addition to the intake assessment fee and court fee, the participant will be responsible for the cost of required counseling, groups and classes.  These costs will be discusses at the intake appointment.

Location

Tempe Public Library (2nd Floor), 3500 South Rural Road. Tel. (480) 350 - 5400

Office Hours  

Monday - Thursday        8 AM - 6 PM
Friday                                 8 AM - 5 PM

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Tempe Adult Probation Services  
Referral Process:  

Defendants convicted of a misdemeanor offense are referred to the Tempe Adult Diversion Program Probation Services through an Order Imposing Terms of Probation. Defendants may be placed on probation through the following avenues:

  1. Supervised probation is the result of a plea bargain. 
  2. The defendant pleads guilty at their arraignment and is placed on supervised probation by the judge as part of their sentence.
  3. In these cases a prosecutor file containing their notes, a plea agreement (if applicable), criminal history background check, and the police incident report (IR) is forwarded to the diversion services office.

When the defendant is placed on supervised probation a copy of the Order Imposing Terms of Probation is faxed to the diversion services office by the court bailiff. The deadline date for the defendant to contact the Tempe Adult Diversion Program is stipulated on the order Imposing the Terms of Probation.

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Tempe Substance Abuse Screening Services
What is TSASS?
The Tempe Substance Abuse Screening Service (TSASS) is a section of the City of Tempe, Community Services Department, and Social Services. This service conducts screening interviews and assigns treatment programs. Status reports are sent to Tempe Municipal Court for action.
Why Must I Go To Screening?
Screening and treatment are part of your sentence. Under ARS Title 28, a substance abuse screening is required to assess each client individually to determine the appropriate program placement. All assignments to substance abuse classes/treatment are done in accordance with Arizona Department of Health Services guidelines.
When Must I Be Screened?
You must report to Tempe Social Services, Substance Abuse Screening Services on the date and time stated on your Order To Attend Substance Abuse Screening And Treatment. You will not be able to reschedule this appointment. You must be on time for your appointment.
How Long Will It Take?
The screening appointment consists of paperwork completion and a minimum 45-minute interview with a counselor. The appointment normally takes 2 hours.
What About Screening Under The New DUI Law?
Consequences for driving under the influence are more severe. New, stiffer penalties became effective in July 1993.

For a FIRST OFFENSE 10 consecutive days in jail is mandatory.

However, if you successfully complete your assigned education/treatment program, the judge may suspend up to 9 days of jail.

For a SECOND CONVICTION 90 consecutive days in jail is mandatory.

If you successfully complete your assigned education/treatment program, the judge may suspend up to 60 days of jail.

What Happens IF I Do Not Complete My Screening/Program?
A failure to comply report will be sent to the Court. The judge will order you to appear in court to show cause why you should not be held in criminal contempt of court.

If you fail to appear for your court date a warrant will be issued for your arrest.

How Much Will It Cost?
SCREENING:
The fee is $90.00 and is included on your Order To Attend Substance Abuse Screening/Treatment. Payment is to be made at the TSASS office and is due at your screening appointment. Payment can be made in cash, by Visa or MasterCard, or in a cashiers check or money order made out to the City of Tempe. If you fail to pay your fee you will not be screened and will referred back to court.
PROGRAM:
The fees for your education/treatment program will be your responsibility to arrange with the agency to which you are assigned.
Where Will You Send Me?
The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) approves, licenses and regulates all DUI service providers.

Referrals to DUI service providers are based on screening results and ADHS guidelines. The type of program, number of sessions, time, location and fees will be discussed with you by your screener.

Other factors, including work/school hours and length of jail sentence, will be taken into consideration in scheduling the referral.

What Does Screening Involve?
* Upon arrival you must check in at the front desk. You will be asked to fill out a brief personal data form, read and sign a few other forms and return them to the front desk.
*  You will be asked a few questions and be given a questionnaire to complete. 

If you have reading or vision problem, or believe you will have difficulty completing the questionnaire, please tell us.

After completing the questionnaire and returning it to the front office staff, you will have a private interview with a screener.
*  There are no chemical tests given here.

Will I have To Return To TSASS Later?
Usually not unless you are in noncompliance with your program.

*  AA cards and proof of program completion should be mailed to TSASS. Please retain copies for your records.
*  Most minor program changes may be made over the phone.
Where is TSASS Located?
We are located on the top floor of the Tempe Public Library Building in the Social Services offices.

The Tempe Public Library Building is located at 3500 S. Rural Rd. in Tempe, just south of Southern Ave. on the west side of Rural Rd.

Clients who appear for their screening appointment under the influence of a mind altering substance will not be allowed to complete their substance abuse screening.

Verbal abuse is not an acceptable form of communication and will not be tolerated by any member of the Social Services Division staff.

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