Colorado DA Uses American Rescue Act Funding to Expand Diversion and Restorative Justice (2023)

Office of the District Attorney, Eighth Judicial District (Larimer & Jackson County, CO)

The CDA 8th developed a pre-plea diversion program that screens every incoming misdemeanor case for candidates who can participate in services or restorative justice processes.

Population: 225,000 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors:42 | Contact Information

By screening those accused at their first appearance, this expansion has had an immediate impact.  In less than 2 years they have put 400 people through the program and recidivism has been very low.  After two years, they intend to compile and publish data to demonstrate the effects of the program. Another hallmark of the program is that the office was able to use American Rescue Act funding to support this expansion as part of the Act’s targeting crisis assistance that can be used to promote diversion and behavioral health programs.