PDI

Tonight was a special dinner for those involved in the PDI (Prostitute Diversion Initiative). I learned a lot more about it. There are over 500 diversion groups in the US. A diversion group is a group of people working to divert individuals from criminal behavior through offering them opportunities that help them build better lives for themselves. The Dallas PDI is the only one of these groups where law enforcement works with social service groups. Not only is the composition of this group unprecedented, but the results are as well. Most diversion groups have a success rate of about 12-16%. Dallas PDI's success rate is 62%. At a recent international meeting, other groups targeting similar populations in other countries shared their information. Most of these other groups had about 20-24 individuals go through them. PDI has had 714 as of three weeks ago. This program is being watched by other law enforcement groups, both nationally and internationally. Phoenix is starting a group based off of PDI this month and representatives from New Jersey will be there in preparation for the development of a similar group in that state. Representatives from PDI have been to several states, including Florida and Rhode Island, to talk about the formation of similar groups.

As impressive as the numbers are, the part that touched me the most were the personal stories that were shared. One of the PDI graduates had written a letter talking about how the program helped her. So many stories were told of women who were able to get clean and off the streets, get an education, get their children back, and even get married. Several of the people working for PDI were either addicts or prostitutes at one point and are trying now to give back to others trapped in similar situations.

It amazes me that I get the opportunity to be part of this! I was talking to Allison tonight on my way home from the dinner about all of the twists and turns that have landed me here. First of all, I wasn't supposed to attend the Dallas residency; I only did so because I was put on bedrest and couldn't make it to the residency in Phoenix. Then I only met Renee' because the teacher over her section got kidney stones the night before the residency started, so the two groups of MFT students had to be combined. Renee' is one of the founders of the PDI group. It's so incredible to me that I have this amazing chance!

Tonight at the end of the dinner, each individual that has helped with PDI was recognized. As I've only been part of it for a month, I didn't expect to be included, but Renee' gave me a certificate as well. She talked about how when she told her classmates about the program she was working with, most of them were a bit taken aback, but she said that I jumped right in and asked how I could help. Renee' is such a wonderful person, as are the others working with PDI! I feel so privileged to be able to be a part of this!