Research Brief
Diversion Instead of Court
May 16, 2023
In this report, RAND researchers share results of a process and outcome evaluation of Project Reset, a program that diverts adults arrested for low-level crimes into community-based support programs and out of the court system. Researchers identified key program facilitators and barriers, documented participant experiences, determined the effect the program had on case outcomes and rearrest rates, and examined whether the program was cost-effective.
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In this report, RAND researchers share results of a process and outcome evaluation of Project Reset, a program that diverts adults arrested for low-level crimes into community-based support programs and out of the court system. Initially, the post-arrest pre-arraignment program was available only to individuals who did not have a criminal record, but the eligibility criteria eventually expanded to include those with prior convictions. The program served 2,149 individuals during the period analyzed. Researchers identified key program facilitators and barriers, documented participant experiences, determined the effect the program had on case outcomes and rearrest rates, and examined whether the program was cost-effective.
Chapter One
Introduction
Chapter Two
Evaluation Methods
Chapter Three
Project Reset Eligibility, Screening, and Program Overview
Chapter Four
Case Flow Through Project Reset and the Courts
Chapter Five
Factors That Impact Program Outreach and Completion
Chapter Six
Outcome Evaluation Results
Chapter Seven
Participant and Program Staff Perceptions of Project Reset
Chapter Eight
Cost Analysis
Chapter Nine
Factors Affecting Program Implementation
Chapter Ten
Takeaways and Recommendations
Appendix A
Regression Discontinuity Design for Outcome Evaluation
Appendix B
Supplemental Figures and Tables
Appendix C
Supplemental Information for Cost Analysis
Appendix D
Qualitative Interview Protocols
The research described in this report was sponsored by City University of New York's Institute for State and Local Governance and conducted by the Justice Policy Program within RAND Social and Economic Well-Being.
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