Attorney General's Office seeks $1.7M for statewide precharge diversion program

On April 9, 2025, the Vermont Senate Judiciary Committee convened to discuss significant budget requests related to the state's pre-charge diversion program, a key initiative aimed at reforming the criminal justice system. Willa Farrow, the Director of Court Diversion and Pretrial Services from the Attorney General's office, presented a compelling case for increased funding to expand this program statewide.

The pre-charge diversion initiative, established under Act 180, allows law enforcement to refer individuals to restorative justice services before formal charges are filed. This approach not only aims to reduce court backlogs but also provides immediate support to victims and offenders, fostering quicker resolutions and potentially deterring future crimes. Farrow emphasized the importance of timely intervention, noting that rapid responses can significantly benefit all parties involved.

Farrow's budget request totaled $1.7 million, which includes $1.1 million to maintain existing services and an additional $600,000 to roll out the program in counties currently lacking these services. She highlighted a growing interest from state's attorneys and law enforcement in counties such as Lowell, Franklin, and Orleans, where there is a clear demand for pre-charge diversion services.

The committee members expressed concerns about the disparities in how different counties implement the program, particularly regarding the discretion given to state's attorneys in deciding who qualifies for diversion. This inconsistency could lead to unequal access to restorative justice resources across the state.

Senator Bogoski raised an important point regarding the cost-effectiveness of the diversion program compared to traditional court proceedings. Farrow confirmed that diversion is significantly less expensive, citing a study that showed cases handled through diversion cost about 15% of those processed through the full court system. This financial efficiency, combined with the potential for lower recidivism rates, underscores the program's value as a smart investment for the state.

As the committee deliberates on the budget, the discussions highlighted the critical need for a comprehensive rollout of pre-charge diversion services across Vermont. The outcome of this meeting could shape the future of the state's approach to criminal justice reform, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to restorative justice resources for all communities. The committee's next steps will involve assessing the readiness of various counties to implement these services and determining how to allocate funding effectively to meet the growing demand.