Police Assisted Diversion (PAD) is a police-lead, pre-booking diversion program for individuals who come into contact with law enforcement for non-violent low-level offenses, including possession, sex work, and petty theft; or who proactively approach police for help in dealing with substance use issues. Additionally, law enforcement may refer individuals not arrested, and Prevention Point may recruit individuals who are afraid to approach law enforcement.
The first type of program referral will be considered a diversion referral. The latter two referral sources will be considered social referrals. Social referrals can, but are not required to, come from sources other than law enforcement, including PPP outreach, or from another criminal justice partner such as the Defender Association.
For diversion referrals, PAD staff conduct in-depth strengths-based needs assessments, identify the PAD participant’s goals, and then offer direct connection to harm reduction services, social services, public benefits, behavioral health services, medical services, employment, and legal support and advocacy.
The PAD program operates within a harm reduction framework. This means that the PAD program meets clients where they are at as they enroll in the program and engage in services. Individuals referred in lieu of an arrest are asked to participate in assessment, goal planning, and resource engagement, but are not required to engage in substance use treatment in order to avert an arrest.
The PAD East Program currently operates in the 24th police district, which includes most of Kensington.
Hours and location:
Monday-Friday, 8am-11pm
707 E. Allegheny Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19134
Contact:
Program Coordinator: tjohnson@ppponline.org
Office: 215-240-0885 ext. 4001