The Alternative Sentencing Worker Program Flyer outlines how the DPA Alternative Sentencing Worker Program advances public safety and saves county and state incarceration costs by working with community partners and promoting rehabilitation.
National Awards
20th Annual Jefferson B. Fordham Award (ABA)
In 2017, the Alternative Sentencing Worker Program was presented the Jefferson B. Fordham State and Local Government Law Award for Law Office Accomplishment by the American Bar Association. ABA Award Letter
Top 25 Innovations in Government 2013 (Harvard Ash Center)
In 2013, the Alternative Sentencing Worker Program was named in the “Top 25 Innovations in Government” by the Harvard Kennedy School Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation. Top 25 Innovations in Government – Harvard Ash Center May 2013
Outstanding Criminal Justice Program Award (National Criminal Justice Association)
In 2011, the Alternative Sentencing Worker Program was given the Outstanding Criminal Justice Program Award by the National Criminal Justice Association.
National Conference Presentations
The Alternative Sentencing Worker Program has received national attention, and representatives from the program have been invited to present at national conferences. Some recent presentations include:
2017 National Legal Aid & Defender Association
National Alliance of Sentencing Advocates & Mitigation Specialist Conference — Baltimore, MD
2017 National Juvenile Defender Center
Defender Leadership Summit — Albuquerque, NM
2018 National Organization of Forensic Social Work
Annual Conference — New Orleans, LA
2018 American Bar Association
Senior Law Division Opioid Summit & Council Meeting — Chicago, IL
2018 National Legal Aid & Defender Association
Community Oriented Defense Conference — Philadelphia, PA
Alternative Sentencing Workers in the News
“Social work program helping nonviolent offenders” | Bowling Green Daily News
Justin Story | Feb. 21, 2016
“We try to keep (these services) for people that will go to prison unless we do something,” [DPA Public Advocate Damon] Preston said. “When I was in courtrooms, I frequently would have clients in district and circuit court where the judges would say, ‘this person does not need to go to prison, but I don’t know what else to do with them.’”
“Now defense lawyers can do so much more; they can actually present a plan with resources, (drug counseling center) bed dates, conditions and opportunities for supervision.”
“DPA social worker program changes lives, but lacks funding” | The Times-Tribune
Ronnie Ellis | May 6, 2013
She was just trying to help. “Susan” flushed her husband’s pain pills down the toilet, hoping to make it easier for “James” to stay sober. Instead, strung out and frustrated, he retaliated by assaulting her. Susan (not her real name) didn’t suffer any serious injuries, but she wasn’t taking any chances, either. She swore out a complaint and James (also not his actual name) found himself in front of Knox District Judge John Paul Chappell.