The special programs were established as a result of the settlement of the Ruiz case and in an effort to maintain the prison population at no more than 95-percent capacity. The law mandating the programs placed the diversion decision with the judiciary. Study data came from case classification forms that assessed risks and needs and provided demographic information. The average risk and needs scores and the distribution of scores were similar for the probatable inmate population and the special program probationers, indicating that diversion is occurring. Scores also indicate additional diversion potential. The differences in the scores of regular probationers and special program probationers indicated that these populations do not have the same levels of risks and needs. Results support the desirability of adopting a definition of diversion using the special program's case classification system, expanding the capacity of diversion programs, and improving the capacity for data collection in the corrections system. Figures, tables, and notes.