Beyond the Micro Myopia: Prostitution Diversion Programs as Social Change Agents?

Prostitution Diversion Programs (PDPs) attempt to address underlying circumstances that lead people to sell sex, using court-monitored rehabilitation in lieu of prosecution or incarceration. Based on interviews with 26 current and former professional court stakeholders and participants, conducted in 2021, this study examines Philadelphia’s PDP, “Dawn Court,” through a social work micro–macro lens that calls for combined individual and social interventions. Findings suggest that Dawn Court offers solely micro-interventions, criticized by the research respondents for being insufficient, coercive, and lacking clear parameters. Macro interventions are referred to, by research respondents, mainly regarding their trauma-informed approach. Research respondents conveyed macro criticism, addressing the need for criminal law changes and reallocating law-enforcement funds to develop lacking community services. Yet, such criticism was not directed at the court or perceived as its responsibility. Based on the theoretical macro social work view, we challenge this perception and call for PDPs and problem-solving courts to take on social change responsibilities in addition to their individual-focused interventions, thus implementing a combined micro-macro solution to social problems.