Court-Affiliated Diversion Programs for Prostitution-Related Crimes: A Comprehensive Review of Program Components and Impact

Beaujolais, Brieanne MA, MSW
Dillard, Rebecca Logue MSW, PhD

The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus, OH

Disclosure. The authors have no relevant financial interest or affiliations with any commercial interests related to the subjects discussed within this article

Funding. The author(s) received no specific grant or financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Correspondence regarding this article should be directed to Brieanne Beaujolais, MA, MSW, The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Stillman Hall, 1947 College Road, Columbus, OH. E-mail: [email protected]

Violence and Victims 35(4):p 562-588, 2020.

Objective: Court diversion programs offer alternative treatment interventions in lieu of punitive sanctions. Programs have recently been developed for women arrested for prostitution, with a recognition that many of these individuals frequently experience multiple forms of violence and experience multiple barriers to exiting sex work. This review aims to (a) examine programmatic components used across programs, and (b) identify the diversionary programs’ impact on participants. Methods: Studies were identified by entering key search words into three electronic databases and by conducting a citation search. Results: Nine articles were included in the review. Although programs varied in structure, services, and length of time, studies indicated a range of positive outcomes for participants. Conclusions: Results help to illuminate future directions for criminal justice practice, policy, and research.