Date of Conferral

8-7-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

GRACE Telesco

Abstract

This dissertation firmly highlighted the critical necessity for effective diversion plans tailored to nonviolent offenders, presenting a compelling qualitative analysis of the lived experiences of 12 former nonviolent offenders and their views on diversion centers. The research employed in-depth interviews as the primary data collection method, engaging participants aged 18 and older who had committed nonviolent offenses, had no pending legal cases, and had been released from incarceration or probation within the past six months. To analyze the data, NVivo 15 and MAXQDA software were utilized, ensuring a rigorous and systematic approach to organizing and interpreting unstructured data, developing robust codes, and identifying pivotal themes. The thorough coding of transcripts revealed eight impactful themes: stigma, labeling, redemption, support, mental health challenges, employment barriers, resource awareness, and environmental factors. Notably, the findings enlightened the profound effects of environmental influences and the psychological toll of incarceration on participants' reintegration experiences. The research further emphasized the crucial role of reentry support and the necessity for comprehensive interventions that address individual challenges and relational dynamics. This study not only provided valuable insights crucial for informing the development of targeted intervention programs but also aimed to empower individuals striving to break free from cycles of crime and addiction. Ultimately, this research called for the establishment of standardized support systems within the criminal justice framework, aimed at enhancing successful reintegration and significantly reducing recidivism rates among nonviolent offenders.

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