Wayne County Prosecutor Announces Survivors FIRST Diversion Program
Published on October 20, 2026
Today, Prosecutor Kym Worthy is announcing the Survivors FIRST Program. FIRST stands for “Facilitating Interventions and Resources for Survivors of Trauma”. This is a survivor-centered diversion program designed to assist individuals charged with crimes who have a history of gender-based violence victimization. These survivors present unique needs and challenges that are not currently addressed by other diversion or court specialty programs.
Eligible participants will have their prosecutions placed on hold for 180 days while they relate to trauma-informed services through a community partnership with First Step. The program emphasizes rehabilitation, safety, and support while maintaining prosecutorial discretion. If the survivor actively engages with services and avoids new criminal charges, they may have their pending case dismissed.
"I am excited to address the needs of survivors of gender-based violence that find themselves on the other side of the law. Often their or their children’s needs have not been met or fully addressed. Sometimes they had to survive abuse and may have done things they normally would not have done to literally survive. We want to close that gap and support those who first entered the criminal justice system as an abused, mistreated, and maligned crime victim," said Prosecutor Kym Worthy.
“Survivor safety and accountability are not competing priorities. Through this partnership, First Step can bring survivor-centered advocacy and expertise to a process designed to address harmful behavior while helping ensure survivors are heard, supported, and treated with dignity. We are proud to partner with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office to strengthen the response to domestic and sexual violence in our community,” said Jeni Hooper, LMSW-Clinical, Executive Director, First Step.
FAQs about Survivors FIRST=
Where was the Survivors FIRST program created?
The Survivors FIRST diversion program is a King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office –YWCA collaboration that was launched in 2019 in Seattle, Washington. It connects survivors of gender-based violence to culturally appropriate, trauma-informed services, often diverting them from criminal charges. WCPO has been given permission by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office’s to use the name Survivors FIRST for its program. We would like to thank King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion, the Chair of their Domestic Violence Unit, David Martin and their local provider, Doris O’Neal, of the YWCA.
Why is there a need for this program?
There is a direct connection between past victimization and other criminal activity. Research has consistently found that 75 to 90% of incarcerated women are themselves survivors of abuse. Often the abuse suffered by these survivors is a direct contributing factor to their subsequent involvement with the criminal justice system. These are not traditional defendants, because they have previously been recognized as victims. Often the abuse suffered by these survivors is a direct contributing factor to their subsequent involvement with the criminal justice system. This program is designed to help break this cycle and support these survivors by connecting them with trauma informed resources. Our program, while uniquely tailored to Wayne County, is modeled after similar successful programs in other jurisdictions such as Seattle, Washington, and Nashville, Tennessee.
Who is this program for?
This program is designed to assist anyone who has been a past victim of gender-based violence, has no felony criminal record, and is currently facing a misdemeanor or qualifying felony criminal charges brought by the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. WCPO will maintain full discretion to accept or reject cases on an individual basis based on a wide variety of factors. Final program eligibility is contingent on acceptance by Wayne County Prosecutors and is also subject to the ability of a community partner to provide services.
What is expected of participants?
Program participants must promptly complete and return all requested application documents and must be willing to sign a release allowing sharing of information between Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office and First Step. The program period is 180 days. At the start of the program period, participants must complete a 30-minute Zoom intake meeting. The participant must then engage with First Step and actively participate in any services that are offered throughout the program period. The participant must also refrain from any new criminal activity.
What services will be provided for participants?
The program is designed to remedy issues stemming from past victimization, which caused the person to offend. They will be provided with a variety of services through First Step based upon individual needs. First Step will determine what services are appropriate to each individual program participant. Examples of services include counseling, housing assistance, assistance with basic needs, safety planning, and connections with other services such as employment assistance and legal aid.
What is the starting date of the program?
The program will be open to applicants on November 2, 2026.
How does a survivor or their attorney contact the Survivors FIRST Program?
https://www.waynecountymi.gov/Government/Elected-Officials/Prosecutor/Special-Victims-Unit/Survivors-FIRST-Diversion-Program
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