Calif. diversion program lets victims confront offenders
By: Don Thompson, The Associated Press
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California officials are experimenting with a new diversion program for criminals that includes allowing victims to directly confront their offenders.
The budget that took effect July 1 includes $5 million to fund the program for five years in a county with a history of high crime, although it has been tried elsewhere and is more frequently used with juvenile offenders.
The California program is for offenders of any age. It will pair victims and offenders before they are convicted, and offenders who complete the program can avoid having a criminal record.
