The Alternative Programs, Inc. (TAP) was established in 1982 by Ms. Georgia Jones Ayers and retired Senior Circuit Judge Thomas K. Petersen (while working in the Office of, then, Miami-Dade State Attorney and former U.S. Attorney: Janet Reno) as "The Alternative to Incarceration Project" under the umbrella of Transition, Inc. To better serve the needs of the clients and expand services, Ms. Ayers consolidated several ex-offender programs into one agency: The Alternative Programs, Inc., a 501 (c) 3 agency, which was incorporated in May 1986.
At its inception the agency's mission was to address the need for effective rehabilitative programs for ex-offenders in Miami-Dade County. Over the last thirty-five (35) years, however, the agency's mission has expanded, and now, serves every citizen of Miami-Dade County. Currently, TAP's mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of every citizen by deterring them from crime and crime related interests. We continuously strive to use proven methods that provide impactful alternatives to incarceration to our clients. It is our goal, through intensive counseling, education, behavior modification and self-esteem and empowerment strategies to return these individuals to their various communities as law abiding and productive citizens.
Our current client base is countywide and includes adults who have been exposed to the criminal justice system, juvenile delinquents, and youth who are at-risk of being exposed to the criminal justice system. We serve both male and female clients and their ethnicity is as diverse as the community.
The Alternative Programs, Inc. stands at the forefront of the development and implementation of programs to decrease adult and juvenile recidivism throughout Miami-Dade County. Through our core expertise and disciplines, we have developed the sensitivity and knowledge to deal with offenders, ex-offenders, juvenile delinquents, and at-risk youth and their many complex challenges. This agency continually renders quality services to our clients which improve the quality of life for all citizens and relieve our correctional institutions of cost burdens and overcrowding.