Diversion FAQs

What is Diversion?

Diversion is an opportunity for certain low-level and/or first-time offenders to avoid court by participating in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs. We offer two types of diversion programs: PATH and CSW. Both of these programs most likely come with an assigned class that must be completed as well, either the ARC or CDL class.

What is PATH?

PATH stands for Promising Adults, Tomorrow’s Hope. This program offers young offenders the choice to participate in occupational training, mentoring or educational programs instead of facing prosecution.

What is the CSW Program?

The CSW (Community Service Worker) Program is one of our robust diversion programs. In the CSW program specifically, participants complete a predetermined number of community service hours at predesignated locations in order to avoid court.

Why am I being invited to participate in the CSW or PATH Program?

You should recall receiving a citation recently in the City of Long Beach. The Long Beach City Prosecutor’s Office is pleased to offer certain offenders the opportunity to participate in a community program and avoid court.

This is a mistake. I didn’t do anything wrong.

If you would like to fight your citation, you may do so by going through court proceedings and can disregard our invitation to participate in the CSW and/or PATH Program.

Do I have to sign-up for the program(s) I was invited to participate in?

No. Just because you are eligible to participate in the CSW and/or PATH Program does not mean you are required to. If you elect not to participate, you can proceed with your case in court.

Where can I do my community service hours?

For a list of locations, please click here. Please follow the instructions for each location as you may be required to call prior to your arrival at some locations. The list is updated frequently so be sure to check back regularly.

I was told I also must take a class, what is that for?

Many participants in the CSW and PATH programs are also required to take either an ARC or CDL class as part of their program requirements. The ARC class is our anti-recidivism class and the CDL class is our California Driver’s License class. If you are offered CSW and/or PATH and you were driving unlicensed or with a suspended license, you will likely be required to take the CDL class. Program participants with other offenses will most likely be required to take the ARC class.

What if I have additional questions?

If you have questions about CSW, please call the Program Coordinator at 562-570-5650. For questions about PATH please call the PATH Coordinator at 562-570-5506.