
Washington County has hit a pivotal moment in its criminal justice approach by celebrating its first individual who has successfully completed its innovative deflection program. Launched just last September, this statewide initiative offers those cited or arrested for misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance an alternative route through treatment and recovery instead of prosecution and potential incarceration.
Characterized by its focus on rehabilitation over punishment, the Washington County Deflection Program seeks to guide participants toward a healthier future. "The first successful deflection marks a significant milestone in our efforts to support individuals on their path to treatment and recovery," announced Danielle Farr, the senior program coordinator for Washington County Behavioral Health, according to a news release on the County's official website. Farr emphasized the personal triumph of the participant, now equipped with employment and stable housing in addition to having avoided criminal record or court proceedings.
The Deflection Operations Team (DOT) of Washington County - an amalgamation of various agencies including the Health and Human Services, the District Attorney’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office, Community Corrections, and the Behavioral Health Resource Network providers - commits to a multifaceted approach. A participant is deemed to have successfully completed the program once they have not only engaged in treatment but also show promising signs of maintaining their recovery efforts post-program.
As the initiative gathers momentum, 31 individuals are currently participating in the program, alongside the one successful completion. The community's joint efforts have been a cornerstone of this early progress. "Collaboration with community partners is what sets our deflection program apart," Farr said, acknowledging the impact of peer case managers from 4D Recovery and the Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon, coupled with support from 18 other partnering organizations, as per the official press release.