Court-Based, Prosecutor-Led Diversion (Pinal County, AZ)

The Pinal County Attorney’s Office, Adult Diversion Program identifies eligible diversion participants through a comprehensive interview and assessment process and connects them with services and treatment based on their individualized needs.  

• Uses evidence-based practices and the risk-needs-responsivity principle: through a series of assessments administered prior to intake, diversion officers are able to connect clients with services and resources based on the person’s social determinants of health and criminogenic needs.  
• Provides comprehensive training: employees of the diversion program receive training in Effective Practices in Correctional Settings (EPICS II), motivational interviewing, trauma informed practices and Risk-Needs-Responsivity, various other assessment tools, mental health treatment, and NARCAN administration.   
• Uses digital technology to improve connectivity to services and outcomes. Additional services delivered via a digital case planning/management platform include the following:
  • Targeted case management   
  • Development of SMART goals   
  • Real-time continuous feedback to defendants and officers on diversion activities  
  • Use of games to provide affirmations to defendants  
  • Records of community service  

  Website: Pinal County Attorney’s Office 

Teresa Fuller 
Justice Services Administrator  
(520) 866-5011   
Teresa.Fuller@pinal.gov  

Nicole Buccellato
Diversion Manager  
(520) 866-6328 (Office)
(520) 709-4141 (Cell)
Nicole.Buccellato@pinal.gov