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Two jurisdictions implemented a version of Project Reset, which was first developed and tested in New York City
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — A newly published paper by experts at RTI International, a nonprofit research institute, examines the implementation of Project Reset, an innovative prosecutor-led diversion program recently implemented in Jefferson County, Alabama and Westchester County, New York.
The paper provides insights into how these communities implemented the Reset model, which was originally developed in New York City to divert individuals charged with low-level offenses from traditional case processing to brief community-based interventions.
"Our evaluation suggests that Reset can offer individuals the opportunity to avoid a criminal conviction and instead offer them a workshop focused on healing and self-reflection coupled with community-based services, which may reduce recidivism,” said Venita Embry, Ph.D., a violence and criminal justice researcher at RTI who led the research. “The program staff at both sites we evaluated felt they were providing important second chances to people while also promoting accountability.”
Embry and her colleagues evaluated the implementation of Reset in both counties by conducting site visits, interviewing program staff and partners, and reviewing program data.
The paper outlines several key findings:
- Both jurisdictions kept the core components of the Reset model, including brief interventions coupled with connections to community-based services and case dismissal upon completion.
- The programs demonstrated high engagement and completion rates, with approximately 65% of eligible participants in Jefferson County and 71% in Westchester County having their cases dismissed or declined for prosecution.
- Jurisdictions made notable adjustments to the original model, including changes to eligibility criteria, recruitment timing and workshop content to fit local needs and priorities.
- Implementation challenges included low numbers of eligible participants, difficulties contacting participants in a timely manner and issues capturing data to measure outcomes.
The research team concludes with recommendations for jurisdictions interested in implementing a similar program, which include developing strategic staffing models, establishing processes for sealing or expunging charges, implementing robust evaluation measures, and creating effective communication and branding strategies.
The paper was published by RTI Press, a global publisher of peer-reviewed, open-access publications.
Read the full paper (via RTI Press)
