Fresh Start Program

To promote early intervention and treatment, District Attorney Powell helped develop a Fresh Start Program for low-level criminal offenders who are addicts. If an eligible defendant successfully abides by all treatment recommendations and does not commit further crimes, the candidate is given an opportunity to choose rehabilitation and not be prosecuted avoiding prison time.  The purposes of this program are to increase connectivity and collaboration among law enforcement sectors, including the DA’s Office, The Court of Common Pleas and the Police Departments.  Candidates will be assessed and directed to treatment through the Lackawanna-Susquehanna Offices of Drug and Alcohol Programs.   The goals of this program are to connect individuals to treatment, support individuals through recovery, reduce overdose deaths in the community, and to stop the recurring pattern of criminal behavior associated with addiction or mental health disorders. Lackawanna County is committed to improving public safety and public health while reducing the criminal behavior of program participants.

Lackawanna County began a Drug Treatment Court in 2000 to serve as an intensive diversionary program for individuals who commit serious misdemeanors and felonies while under the influence of drugs or suffering from mental health disorders.  The goal of Drug Treatment Court is to change – rather than punish – addictive behaviors.  Since its inception, Drug Treatment Court has been highly successful in holding individuals accountable for their offenses while providing treatment to ensure sustainable sobriety.    

Despite Drug Treatment Court’s wide-ranging success, the program did not accommodate low-level offenders who suffer from the same addictions as those faced by Drug Treatment Court participants.