ARI HIGHLIGHTS 2025 ALL-SITES SUMMIT: DEVELOPING A CULTURE OF DIVERSION

Photo: Participants at the 2025 ARI All-Sites Summit pose for a photo following day two of the event.

Over 100 attendees from across the statewide Adult Redeploy Illinois (ARI) network joined the 2025 ARI All-Sites Summit on May 14-15, 2025, in Normal, Illinois. The Summit, themed “Developing a Culture of Diversion: Data-Informed Growth, Mindful Leadership, and Strengths-Based Coaching,” provided attendees the opportunity to collaborate, share best practices, and learn new techniques to improve ARI-funded diversion programs throughout the state. Participants included probation officers and supervisors, judges, state’s attorneys, public defenders, treatment providers, recovery support specialists, and ARI program participants and graduates (Vital Voices).

Day one of the 2025 ARI All-Sites Summit provided the opportunity to collaborate across ARI sites, as participants shared and discussed issues of importance to their local jurisdiction. Participants listened and provided individualized feedback on localized issues, strengthening relationships across ARI sites and enhancing innovative solutions to expand program access and participant success.

Photo: Dr. David Olson presents on the implications and impact of Illinois’ Pretrial Fairness Act at day two of the 2025 ARI All-Sites Summit.

Day two featured sessions on the implementation and impact of Illinois’ Pretrial Fairness Act for ARI sites provided by Dr. David Olson, Loyola University Center for Criminal Justice, as well as sessions on building a data-informed culture of probation and strengths-based coaching techniques, led by the ARI Training, Technical Assistance and Development (TTAD) Program.

Photo: Vital Voices lead their session, “Coaching the Coaches: Vital Voices Lead the Way,” on day two of the 2025 ARI All-Sites Summit

The highlight of the second day was a “Coaching the Coaches” session led by five current and former ARI participants (Vital Voices), who shared strengths and skills that brought them success in their recovery journey, highlighted techniques from coaches at their ARI programs, and taught ARI site representatives new ways to improve the experiences of ARI participants. Vital Voices participants were met with a powerful standing ovation!

ARI All-Sites Summits provide an annual opportunity to offer dedicated training and technical assistance, collaborate as a network, and enhance local diversion programs. We look forward to convening again in 2026 for our next event!