VSU Explores Diversion Programs

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University’s Criminal Justice Outreach Program will present Diversion Programs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, June 30, in Student Union Ballroom A. The free Criminal Justice Seminar Series event is open to faculty, staff, students, alumni, retirees, and friends of the university.
 
Ann Kasun, the deputy clerk of Valdosta Municipal Court, will discuss the benefits and challenges of diversion programs, which is a form of sentencing that directs the offender to a rehabilitation program instead of jail. She will also discuss specialized programs for offenders with mental illnesses or substance abuse issues.
 
Dr. Sha Wilfred, a professor in VSU’s Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, will discuss restorative justice programs, which focus on repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior by encouraging facilitated meetings between the offender and the victim. She will also discuss the differences between typical diversion programs and restorative justice programs.
 
The Critical Issues in Criminal Justice Seminar Series is funded by the Criminal Justice Outreach Program, which is supported by a 2016-2017 VSU Innovation Fund Grant. The Innovation Fund was created to invest in the future of VSU by supporting innovative practices, programs, and approaches that continue to improve teaching, services, and support of VSU students.
 
Contact Dr. Bobbie Ticknor, an assistant professor in VSU’s Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, at bbticknor@valdosta.edu to register for the event.
 
On the Web:
 
http://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/arts-sciences/sacj/criminal-justice