Amy Young

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Benton County Launches Deflection Program

News from the Benton County Board of Commissioners

Benton County launched its Deflection Program one day ahead of the planned start date, when the first person in Benton County was offered deflection on Dec. 31, 2024. The new program provides treatment and support services as an option to the court system for qualifying County residents cited for drug possession. 

Benton County’s Behavioral Health Deflection Program is designed to align with the Oregon Behavioral Health Deflection Grant Program, set up by House Bill (HB) 4002. HB 4002 awards grants to counties and tribes to fund deflection programs. According to the bill, a deflection program is a “collaborative program between law enforcement agencies and behavioral health entities… to create community-based pathways to treatment, recovery support services, housing, case management or other services.”

Click here to read the full story in English and Spanish

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