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County seeks continuation of prosecutorial diversion contract; program reports high dismissal rate
Summary
County staff said the DSHS-funded prosecutorial diversion program (PDP 05/1977) would be renewed without programmatic change; staff described enrollment and outcomes, including a reported 72% dismissal rate and a 15% 12‑month custody recurrence rate among participants.
Spokane County staff briefed commissioners on May 20 about the county’s ongoing prosecutorial diversion contract with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), identified in the briefing as PDP 05/1977, and requested approval to continue the contract beginning July 1.
Justin and Ashley, county staff, summarized the program’s goals—reducing competency-service referrals and diverting people with behavioral-health disorders from the criminal legal system by connecting them to community supports. The program provides intensive case management, care coordination and peer-support services in partnership with prosecutors and courts.
Jamie Knox, the program’s diversion behavioral health coordinator, reported that since the program began in 2016 it has enrolled about 350 participants. Knox told the board that about 72% of enrolled participants receive a dismissal after six to 12 months and that approximately 15% of participants return to custody within 12 months. Knox said the program has reduced the county’s need for competency evaluations and that the county estimates the diversion program has saved roughly $1,300,000 by narrowing jail stays and related costs.
Staff said the contract cycle proposed for July contains no programmatic changes or funding changes; the county will bring the contract forward for board signature as required. County staff also said they plan to absorb certain jail-transition dollars in-house to better braid services with prosecutorial diversion and to maintain continuity of care for people moving into or out of custody.
Commissioners asked about caseload size, eligibility criteria and overlap with therapeutic courts. Knox said the program does not serve crimes involving children, certain serious offenses or DUIs, and that caseloads have ranged from the low twenties to near 50 during peak periods. Knox said that individuals already enrolled in therapeutic or court-ordered programs are not simultaneously enrolled in prosecutorial diversion, but diversion staff may provide supportive services to people transitioning out of court programs.
No board vote took place during the briefing; staff indicated the renewal contract would be scheduled for regular board action.
