The SAO believes that if wrap-around services, treatment for drug issues, treatment for psychological issues, employment training, etc. were made available to persons involved in prostitution...
"Individualized Justice", the court can link together offenders with services that are individually tailored for their needs. Which, will in turn improve public health and public safety AND...build confidence in the criminal justice system.
Address the underlying issues that lead individuals to commit crimes. Help to change the behavior of the defendants and thus give back to the community.
Cases heard in this court consist of "quality of life" misdemeanor crimes; assaults, manifestations of prostitution, possession of drug paraphenillia, illegal dumping and code violations.
The court has borough-wide jurisdiction over prostitution-related arrests. the courtroom covers three police districts within Midtown Manhattan, operates 5 days a week, & is located in a non-traditional former magistrate's courthouse in Midtown Manhattan.
Baltimore's Specialized Prostitution Diversion Program began on August 15, 2009.
April 2009, Sue Diehl, LCSW-C, was the lead social worker who developed components for the SPD with the Office of the State's Attorney and the office of the Public Defender.
Multiple attempts are offered in recognition that an individual who earns their living selling sex may not be able to completely stop prostituting in the relatively short time they have been selling sex
Drug Assessors are LGSWs contracted out through the court from Bon Secours Health System, they serve all the other diversion courts as well, i.e. mental health, homelessness, etc.