Deschutes County seeks nearly $1 million in state funding to launch M110 drug-offense deflection programs

Commissioners also accept $1.3 million for next fiscal year's funding of Stabilization Center

(Update: Adding video, comments from Behavior Health and commission)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- Deschutes County commissioners got an update Wednesday and approved seeking the first half of state funds to set up the new drug-offense "deflection" program, a key aspect of the drug recriminalization program approved by lawmakers in House Bill 4002. They also accepted $1.3 million in state funding for the Stabilization Center, a key element to the county's Behavioral Health effort.

The county is formally seeking the state funds already allotted for the program, which begins in October, when the bill goes into effect.

County Behavioral Health Director Holly Harris said Deschutes was one of 23 counties that opted in on the deflection program, aimed at providing treatment and help for more people who if successful can avoid the new misdemeanor charge created under the legislation.

"Thankfully, with the resources that will be coming our way, we can add capacity to those two programs to be able to respond," Harris told us later. "We don't want law enforcement sitting around waiting for us to get there, waiting for them to get there. So there will be, you know, a 20-minute response, kind of a timeline, to be able to get to them."

The initial state application being submitted next week will provide half of the $756,000 funding to continue the coordination with all the local partners.

Harris explained that those involved here have decided to pattern the law enforcement diversion program upon successful evidence-based programs operated in Marion County and Seattle, a “really creative approach” that can offer someone accused of possessing a deflection-eligible amount of drugs the treatment option, to avoid a criminal charge.

The two local treatment programs planning to be involved in the program, Ideal Options and Best Care, have “lots of expertise” in the field, Harris explained.

Those assisting in the program would respond 24/7 with the law enforcement making initial contact, if deemed safe to do so, establishing rapport and offering treatment services. If those facing possible charges agree to the deflection program, and follow through, the charges can be dismissed and record expunged.

While law enforcement will take the lead on whether someone is dangerous or can be interacted with, others may also offer deflection during the early process, including the DA's office and Behavioral Health.

“It’s not a ‘one (contact) and done,’” Harris said. “Sometimes people’s readiness (for treatment) waxes and wanes.”

More details will be worked out over the next couple of months, she said, before a long-form application for the second half of funding by the end of May.

Commissioner Tony DeBone shared his support for the new effort after the meeting.

"Being able to stop people in their spot and say, 'Hey, you know, do you have a problem here? Do you need help?'" DeBone said. "And then really take in some folks that are struggling and doing some aggressive things against themselves or others, with the public safety system being plugged back in."

Only a year of funding is included in the initial legislation, Harris said, but there is “a lot of interest” in continuing successful programs: “We have high hopes we’ll see continued funding.”

Diversion programs as operated over the years here and elsewhere are different and involve the court system, not just treatment providers.

“If they are successful in doing that (program), they won’t even go to court – that’s the hope,” Harris said.

Answering questions from Commissioner Phil Chang, she said the hope is that with the funding to add treatment capacity, those who choose deflection will get in programs immediately, not be scheduled weeks out.

Commissioners also agreed to accept a second year of Oregon Criminal Justice Commission IMPACTS program grand funding of $1.32 million to support the Stabilization Center through mid-2025. It’s some more dollars than the first year. But with costs rising, it doesn’t cover the center’s services any more. However, added funding from the Legislature will help fill that cap, Harris said.

The funding after the coming fiscal year is not guaranteed, but with the success the facility has shown, Harris expects state funding to continue.

Here is Wednesday's board meeting (Commissioner Patti Adair was absent):