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PRESENTATION OUTLINE

Baltimore City Prostitution Diversion Program

Amaranda L. Sakamoto, class presentation
Photo by Connor Tarter

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  • Baltimore averages an estimated 1,200 prostitution arrests each year.
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  • Of these arrests, many of the defendants are repeat offenders, or recidivists, who commit the same offenses over and over again.
Photo by Jeffrey Beall

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  • 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...
  • then, recidivism would drop.
Photo by nan palmero

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  • "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.

 

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2013, CDC- HIV Surveillance Report

  • 1.) Miami
  • 2.) New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, La.
  • 3.) Baton Rouge, La.
  • 4.) Jackson, Miss.
  • 5.) Washington D.C. (includes Va., Md, & W.Va. suburbs)
  • 6.) Baltimore-Towson, Md.

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  • 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.
Photo by cudmore

Demographics, Criminal history, Employment history, Mental Health History, Substance use history, Risk and/or needs assessment scores

Atlanta

  • Established in March 2000.
  • The Atlanta Community Court hears all the prostitution arrests in the city with a single judge presiding.
  • Court uses sentencing alternatives and legal sanctions to promote rehabilitation and the underlying causes of crime.
Photo by Nrbelex

Dallas

  • Opened in October 2004. the court covers the South Dallas/Fairpark neighborhoods.
  • The Dallas Community Court is housed in a community center, 25 in-house social service agencies, a medical clinic, a daycare facility, and a library.

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  • 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.

New York City

  • Opened in October 1993.
  • 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.
Photo by Andos_pics

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  • The court provides on-site social services, including drug treatment, mental health counseling and job training.

Baltimore

  • 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.

The Eastside District Courthouse

SPD eligibility criteria are as follows;

  • All individuals being charged with prostitution were arrested in Baltimore City but may not necessarily live in Baltimore City.
  • No prior charges of a violent felony/ies; i.e. assault, murder
  • Not currently on parole or probation as to not double up on services as provided to one individual.

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

Requirements of attendance

  • 12 sessions of supportive counseling case management with an assigned social worker over 90 days.
  • Counseling and referrals are individualized for each participant in relation to their hierarchy of needs; housing, trauma counseling, prenatal care.

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  • Participants are required to undergo drug testing once a month over the 90 days.
  • Even if their tests are "dirty" they are allowed to participate.

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.

Photo by ianturton

Don't go the SPD route?

  • 90 days in jail or as long as a year and a $500 fine are the most severe consequences.
  • 18 months probation and if you have a "dirty" drug screening you will pay the fine and go to jail.

Graduation Day

  • Upon completion of the program...
  • You appear before the judge in court and are given a single white rose and a certificate of completion.
Photo by Eric Prunier

Since SPD began in 8/15/09 through 8/17/12

  • 3,148 individuals have been charged.
  • 2,013 were not eligible.
  • 1,135 were eligible.
  • 574 accepted to participate.
  • 44 refused to participate.
  • 182 were not served due to lack of space.

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  • 223 individuals did not show for their court date.
  • 197 did not complete the program.
  • 299 have successfully completed the program (60%).
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65% improvement experienced

  • in the successful completion of the program since SPD began using dated bus passes for those without transportation to the facility.

Greatest Challenges for SPD

  • Individuals entering the program lack identification documents and/or health insurance that may prevent admission treatment.
  • It is difficult to find housing and employment within 90 days, especially with no income.
  • FUNDING THE PROGRAM
Photo by aresauburn™

References:

  • Burns, Margaret T. and Sviatko, Joseph. (2008, July 10). City State's Attorney's Office awarded $71,000 state grant for prostitution court. Retrieved from, http://www.stattorney.org/Press_Release/2008/7102008_2.htm
  • Diehl, Sure, personal communication, February 11, 2011, January 13, 2012, and August 17, 2012
  • Kearney, Brendan. (2008, July 10). Prostitution court to focus on diversionary tactics. The Daily Record
  • Retrieved from http://www.mydailyrecord.com/article.cfm?id=11929&type=UTTM
  • Leon, Chrysanthi S. and Shdaimah, Corey (2012) JUSTifying Scrutiny:state power in prostitution diversion programs.
Photo by Will Montague