Baker County prepares for deflection program for drug treatment
By Joe Hathaway on Thursday, April 25th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER COUNTY — Baker County leadership is spearheading efforts to establish a deflection program aimed at steering individuals with substance use disorders away from incarceration and towards treatment.
With the passage of House Bill 4002, which repealed parts of Measure 110, the Oregon Legislature allocated roughly $211 million for treatment and addiction services and more than $20 million for grant funding to support optional county deflection programs, including $150,000 for Baker County.
Shane Alderson, Baker County Commission Chair, says they’ve gathered key stakeholders, including representatives from the Baker County Sheriff’s Office, the Baker City Police Department, Baker County Circuit Court, the Baker County District Attorney’s Office and New Directions Northwest.
“Right now the program planning is in the early stages. Roles are being identified, and plans are underway to develop the program from the ground up,” said Alderson.
Under HB 4002, a deflection program means that someone arrested for possession of a small amount of hard drugs like fentanyl can choose to have the officer take them to a sobering center, bring them to a caseworker or find some other kind of treatment. Baker County and stakeholders like New Directions will determine how long of a treatment program an offender will have to undergo.
But if a person caught with small amounts of drugs refuses treatment, that individual would need to go through the normal criminal justice process, which leads them to probation.
If that person then violates probation once, they’re sentenced to 30 days in jail or 30 days of substance use disorder treatment. And if they somehow violate the prescribed sentence again, it increases to 180 days in jail with the option of early release into treatment.
Under the bill, each county can shape its own deflection program to fit its own needs.
“We’re committed to addressing substance use disorder and promoting community safety,” said Alderson. “The deflection program aims to divert individuals with substance use issues from the criminal justice system into treatment and support services.”
He says the county is also planning on hiring a manager to oversee the deflection program. Other key components of the program Alderson says are being worked on include referral processes, intake and assessment procedures, and training for law enforcement and behavioral health providers
He says while the planning process is still in the early stages, Baker County will be ready to launch its program once the new law takes effect this September.
“Our conversations are really good, and people involved are starting to figure out the nuts and bolts of it,” Alderson said. “Our focus remains on refining operational procedures and addressing logistical challenges to ensure that it’s implemented effectively. We’re going to work hard to make this program a successful one.”
