Diversion Programming: A Collaboration between Erie's Public Schools and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor

Tuesday, Jun 24, 2025 • 12 pm to 1 pm

Virtual

Training Sessions

Abstract

In the 2023-2024 school year, Erie’s Public Schools completed a data review and audit of the Erie School District Police Department (ESDPD) as the district continued to evolve to a greater community policing model. In this review, numerous data points were reviewed including the type and grading of criminal charges made by the ESDPD. The trending data was concerning to all parties, and a pause in the filing of criminal charges was made as of November 2023. From November until April 2024, numerous diversion models and programs were reviewed, and the EPS Diversion program was born. These school-based models of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia area school districts provided a supported environment that reinforced and retaught appropriate behaviors while reducing opportunities for reoffence. Community agencies were solicited for input, including the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County Juvenile Probation Department, Erie County Magisterial District Judges, and the Erie Police Department. The EPS Diversion program was formally approved by the EPS School Board for implementation for the 2024-2025 school year.

ESDPD collaborated with UPMC of Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor who developed and implement brief social-emotional learning experiences for students in grades 6-12 who’s behavioral infractions would warrant law enforcement intervention. The purpose was for students to gain skills and education regarding choices, decision making, and actions in students’ lives. Upon successful completion of three half days of Diversion Groups, criminal charges were not filed, allowing students the opportunity to avoid entering the justice system. A student’s participation in the program is voluntary and parent/guardian permission must be obtained prior to orientation. Case Managers facilitate groups at the students’ school. All student participants are offered ongoing case management services for themselves and their family members during and upon program completion.

Objectives

  • Define diversion programming concept in the educational setting
  • Describe the types of charges that may fit with diversion services
  • Explore the development, basis and implementation of group programming
  • Demonstrate impact through current outcomes and future plans for diversion programming

Accreditation

PHYSICIAN (CME)

The University of Pittsburgh designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

NURSING (CNE)

A maximum of 1.0 nursing contact hours will be awarded. Participants will be able to claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the program.

SOCIAL WORK

As a Jointly Accredited Organization, University of Pittsburgh is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. University of Pittsburgh maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive 1.0 continuing education credits.

Psychologist (APA)

Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs.

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