Language

English (en)

Publication Date

5-9-2025

Summary

Mass incarceration policies in the United States have generated the highest incarceration rate in the world, yet many incarcerated individuals have committed nonviolent offenses or been confined because they could not pay fines or fees. Diversion offers an opportunity for justice-involved individuals to avoid conviction and collateral consequences while maximizing public safety, reducing case processing, decreasing overpopulation in prisons, and lowering costs. However, diversion programs do not adequately address financial instability and insecurity that often contribute to criminal behavior. This paper reviews evidence on adult diversion programs and proposes an intervention approach responding to socioeconomic factors contributing to criminal behavior.

Document Type

Working Paper

Category

Financial Inclusion

Subarea

Financial Capability

Original Citation

Johnson, L., Sherraden, M. S., Pettus, C., Miller, J., & Huang, J. (2025). Enhancing diversion success through financial capability and asset building: A framework and proposed intervention (CSD Working Paper No. 25-18). Washington University, Center for Social Development. https://doi.org/10.7936/seyw-jf60

Project

Financial Capability and Asset Building

Keywords

financial capability and asset building (FCAB) ; diversion ; decarceration ; financial guidance ; criminal justice ;

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