Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office’s Deflection Program to celebrate one-year anniversary with graduation ceremony
Barney Lerten
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its Deflection Program and will recognize nine graduates on Thursday at The Taylor Center in Bend.
The Deflection Program is a community-based, voluntary, and patient-centered initiative. It provides rapid access to drug treatment and supportive services for people struggling with addiction.
They don’t need to be in legal trouble to seek help. In many cases, law enforcement officers can take people directly to treatment instead of jail, offering a pathway to recovery, DCSO said in a news release Wednesday that continues in full below:
The program also works closely with the courts, Parole and Probation, the District Attorney’s Office, and defense lawyers to help individuals who need treatment find it quickly.
Once enrolled, clients are assigned to a Peer Navigator and offered services, including assistance with birth certificates, IDs, and resumes, job search support, housing resources and transportation assistance, health insurance sign-up help, medication-assisted treatment and detox services, DHS coordination, and referrals to other community programs as appropriate.
The goal is simple, but powerful: stop the cycle of addiction, reduce crime, and prevent time in jail by addressing root causes and supporting recovery. The Sheriff’s Office partners with BestCare Treatment Services and Ideal Option to help individuals facing addiction.
Over the last year, the Deflection Program has:
Helped 28 individuals successfully complete the program, covering 33 criminal cases
Supported 21 clients currently enrolled and making progress
Expanded community partnerships and referral networks
Connected people to treatment, housing, jobs, and family reunification
Reduced repeat justice system involvement