Research consistently shows that involvement in the criminal justice system at a young age can lead to lifelong negative effects. Many programs have worked to intervene during adolescence, but few have matched the effectiveness and efficiency of Michigan State University's Adolescent Diversion Program (ADP).
Dr. William Davidson first brought and adapted ADP to Ingham County in 1976. It operates within the academic calendar and with the support of MSU's Department of Psychology. Today, under the leadership of community scholar Sean Hankins, ADP matches enrolled MSU students with youth involved in the Ingham County court system.
Over two semesters, students train with a team of instructors and undergraduate assistants, building foundational concepts and professional skills they'll use both in their interventions and in their future careers. Students are paired with a youth to work together over an 18-week intervention. ADP's core goal is to promote positive youth development by helping youth build self-advocacy skills, recognize their strengths, connect with community resources, and work toward their goals.
The Adolescent Diversion Program is made possible through the support of MSU's Psychology Department, the Ingham County Family Court, the youth and families of Ingham County, ADP's students and staff, and a wide network of community partners.
The program runs every semester, including summer, beginning with PSY 371 and continuing into PSY 372.