DIVERT

The DIVERT Counseling Program

The DIVERT counseling program consists of an intensive 32 weeks of education and counseling for perpetrators of domestic violence.  Those convicted of domestic violence in District Court are required to complete the program as a condition of their probation.

The DIVERT counseling program offered by Community Substance Abuse Services Inc. in Kingsford has been certified as being in compliance with the batterer intervention standards established for the State of Michigan.

The domestic violence treatment standards were developed by the state task force on batterer intervention standards to ensure uniformity in treatment programs for batterers throughout the state.  Governor Engler required the development of these standards and the creation of Domestic Violence Coordinating Council as a part of a statewide approach to the problems of domestic violence. 

Program areas reviewed as a part of the assessment and approval process include care intake, lethality evaluation, curriculum, treatment methods, completion criteria, counselor credentials, and reporting standards

DIVERT PROGRAM SERVICES....

     General purpose- To provide individuals with the opportunity for change of beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors as it pertains to their power and control, violence, and controlling behaviors in  relationship to another.  The program is based on the Duluth Model of intervention and the format is quite specific and structured in nature.  Old beliefs are challenged, with a general goal of promoting equal partnership and self-responsibility.  A client comes  to the program on a voluntary basis or as ordered through the court system, usually after a charge of assault and battery.  The client has an intake session, and one(1) scheduled orientation session.  Thereafter, the client meets in a group setting on a weekly basis for two(2) hour sessions for 31 weeks.  Attendance is considered a very integral part of this program.

The following lists the topics/objectives, which are addressed, each for a period of three(3) to four(4) weeks.

1. Nonviolence
2. Non-Threatening Behavior
3. Respect
4. Support and Trust
5. Accountability and Honesty
6. Sexual Respect
7. Partnership
8. Negotiation and Fairness

The client is expected to:

• Honestly address behaviors and work to change the beliefs behind them.
• To complete weekly homework assignments and hand then in at the beginning of each class.
• To participate in class discussion without the need for numerous prompts from facilitators.
• To offer honest feedback to peers and accept constructive criticism form them during group discussion.
• To practice the non-controlling, equality-orientated behaviors learned in group on a daily basis, beginning immediately and regardless of whether there is currently a partner.