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The Economic Impact of Diversion Programs on the Lives of Students

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Diversion programs offer an alternative to traditional criminal justice processes, aiming to redirect offenders away from the justice system through rehabilitation and support. For program participants, these programs can be particularly impactful by providing a second chance to focus on their future. Diversion programs also help to avoid the economic implications of traditional punishment, they have shown promising influence on employment opportunities, long-term earnings, and societal costs.

 

Enhanced Employment Opportunities

One of the most significant benefits of diversion programs for participants is the potential for improved employment outcomes. A criminal record can severely hinder a program participant’s ability to secure a job, as many employers are reluctant to hire individuals with a history of legal issues. Diversion programs can often mitigate this barrier by avoiding a criminal record. For example, a 2018 study in Harris County, Texas found that diversion programs substantially decreased future convictions by 48 percent and improved employment outcomes by 53 percent over a decade. By keeping program participants’ records clean, these programs help maintain their employability and open doors to various career opportunities.

 

Increased Long-term Earnings

The economic impact of a criminal record extends beyond immediate job prospects; it also affects long-term earnings. People who have spent time in prison suffer significant losses, with their subsequent annual earnings reduced by an average of 52 percent. Even those convicted of misdemeanors see a reduction in earnings by an average of 16 percent. For these individuals, this can translate into decades of diminished income potential. By participating in diversion programs, participants can avoid these financial setbacks and maintain their path toward higher earning potential, which is crucial for achieving long-term financial stability and success.

 

Reduced Societal Costs

Incarceration is not only costly for the individual but also for society. Each additional year of incarceration costs between $56,200 and $66,800. These expenses include not only the direct costs of maintaining prison facilities but also the indirect costs associated with lost wages, impacts on families, and lost opportunities for education and career advancement. By diverting program participants away from the criminal justice system and towards rehabilitative programs, your community can save a significant amount of money. These savings can then be redirected to more productive uses, such as funding education and community programs that further support community development and success.

 

Diversion programs play a crucial role in mitigating the economic impact of criminal records on program participants. By enhancing employment opportunities, increasing long-term earnings, and reducing societal costs, these programs provide a valuable alternative to traditional criminal justice processes. For program participants, the ability to maintain a clean record and focus on future goals and careers can make a significant difference in their lives and contribute to a more prosperous society overall.

 

Contact Advent eLearning

If you’re interested in how Advent eLearning can benefit your agency and your clients, click here to visit our website. You can review Advent eLearning programs with no costs or obligations for your organization. Contact us today for a trial account or a guided demonstration.

 

Advent eLearning courses address a variety of topics including:

 

Alcohol & Substance Abuse

Anger Management

Animal Care

Boating & Outdoors

Bullying

Juvenile Conflict Resolution

Corrective Thinking

Defensive Driving

Financial Crimes

Firearm Responsibility

Harassment

Hunting Responsibility

Impaired Driving

Juvenile Sexting

Life Skills

Marijuana & THC

Parenting

Prostitution

Revenge Porn

Shoplifting

Theft

Traffic Safety

Underage Substance

Victim Impact Panel




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