SPECIALIZED ALTERNATIVE TO SENTENCING SUPPORT (SASS)

 The Specialized Alternative to Sentencing Support (SASS) program is a pre-plea diversion program serving caregivers ages 12-25 charged with nonviolent offenses in the Washtenaw County Trial Court. The SASS program was created in partnership with the Washtenaw County Trial Court, Prosecutor’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, and Corner Health Center with the goal of providing client-centered, rehabilitative services to justice-involved caregivers to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for families. 

 SASS provides caregivers with the opportunity to address their holistic health needs and the factors that lead to their justice-involvement while avoiding the destabilizing effects of a conviction and incarceration. Corner Health Center will evaluate and assess all SASS participants to determine what services are appropriate and begin the case planning process. Services recommended may include but are not limited to mental and behavioral health services; individual, group, and/or family therapy; medical clinical services; psychiatric services; mentorship; educational and/or vocational services; referrals to outside providers; and case management.

 SASS is designed to be completed in six months; however, an extension may be granted at the discretion of the presiding judge to allow additional time for completion. To complete the program successfully, participants must complete the goals and services identified in their Individualized Service Plan (ISP) and must not incur new charges during their participation. Participants will be unsuccessfully terminated from the program for failure to engage in or complete their Individualized Service Plan (ISP), incurring new charges, voluntarily withdrawing from the program, or inability to be safely managed in the community.

Upon successful completion of the program, the referred case(s) will be dismissed without further prosecution. Upon unsuccessful termination from the program, the referred case(s) will return to prosecution on the traditional criminal justice path. 

 For questions or concerns regarding the SASS program and referral process, please contact the Problem-Solving Courts/Special Programs Director.