Washington County reports first-year results for deflection program; officials say 105 people served and 70% of referrals accessed services

Washington County officials on Oct. 28 presented a one-year progress report for the county's deflection program, an alternative pathway intended to divert people with substance use disorder away from the criminal justice system and into treatment and supports.

The program, launched in September 2024 and described to the board by Marnie Kyle and program staff, has served 105 people out of 177 deemed eligible between Sept. 1 and Oct. 9 of the current reporting period, Danielle Farr, the county's Deflection Program coordinator, told commissioners. Farr said 24 participants completed the program'meaning they met completion benchmarks and avoided court appearances during that time frame.

Why it matters: County staff said deflection is one of several pathways created after Oregon lawmakers modified Measure 110 through House Bill 4002 and related bills; the intent is to reduce criminal-justice contact for low-level possession offenses while improving access to treatment. Officials said the program is intentionally collaborative, built with input from the district attorney's office, sheriff's office, community corrections, behavioral health providers and numerous community partners.

What staff told the board: Danielle Farr summarized the program's structure and recent changes, saying the county adopted a cautious expansion approach, widening eligibility in some cases where co-charges previously would have disqualified people (examples cited by staff included some theft, criminal trespass and disorderly…