Deflection Training
Deflection Technical Assistance is a collaboration between the OHSU Section of Addiction Medicine, the Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute (OCTRI) and Oregon Rural Practice Based Research Network with the support of the Criminal Justice Commission.
Upcoming Events
Deflection ECHO
The purpose of the Deflection ECHO is to connect Oregon teams to deflection experts, develop core skills for the deflection workforce, and function as a peer-to-peer networking space for Oregon’s deflection programs.
Deflection coordinators, project managers, case managers, certified recovery peers, law enforcement who interface with deflection teams, deflection SUD treatment partners, deflection community partners are invited to enroll.
Program Goals
- Showcase models of expanding deflection pathways and impact
- Guide quality improvement for deflection programs
- Train multidisciplinary staff for effective deflection encounters in the field
- Build competency in navigating social services and behavioral health services
- Promote awareness of substance use disorder medication treatments
- Connect to share resources and success examples
Virtual session take place on the second Wednesday of each month, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m., Pacific time, September 9, 2026 - May 12, 2027
To register, go to https://www.oregonechonetwork.org/addictionmed or use the button below.
Technical Assistance (TA) Model
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Work with trained coaches and subject matter experts on areas of need in your community. Topics like building new programs, defining deflection eligibility criteria and success, developing a process for warm handoffs between law enforcement and treatment providers, and addiction medicine best practices. Coaching is unique to the community we are working with. To learn more or sign-up, e-mail deflection@ohsu.edu
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In person training for Law Enforcement. Participants will learn how to have more productive encounters with people with substance use disorders. Join us for an educational session on understanding addiction, impacts of stigma and overview of regional deflection and treatment options. DPSST credits are available. No cost to you or your organization.
Register for a training session here
Access to Addiction Response Tactics: Tools for the Frontline - Free Virtual Training -
Webinars on deflection-related topics by subject matter experts and deflection programs. Webinars are held twice a month.
Recordings
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WEBINAR: January 22, 2025
WEBINAR: January 8, 2025
WEBINAR: December 16, 2024
WEBINAR: November 7, 2024
WEBINAR: October 25, 2024
WEBINAR: October 22, 2024
WEBINAR: September 17, 2024
Deflection Engagement and Coordination
SESSION 1: October 16, 2024
Deflection Engagement and Coordination
SESSION 2: November 6, 2024
Deflection Engagement and Coordination
SESSION 3: November 20, 2024
- The Deflection Hand-off
- Link to recording
Deflection Engagement and Coordination
SESSION 4: December 4, 2024
Deflection Engagement and Coordination
SESSION 5: December 18, 2024
Deflection Engagement and Coordination
SESSION 7: February 19, 2025
Deflection Engagement and Coordination
SESSION 8: February 19, 2025
Deflection Engagement and Coordination
SESSION 9: March 5th, 2025
Deflection Engagement and Coordination
SESSION 10: March 10th, 2025
- Culturally Specific Services and Deflection
- Link to Recording
Deflection Engagement and Coordination
SESSION 11: April 2nd, 2025
Deflection Engagement and Coordination
SESSION 12: April 16th, 2025
- Housing and Deflection Programs
- Link to recording
Deflection Engagement and Coordination
SESSION 13: May 7th, 2025
Deflection Engagement and Coordination
SESSION 14: May 21st, 2025
- Deflection Innovations Panel
- Link to recording
Deflection Implementation and Leadership
SESSION 1: APRIL 26, 2024
Deflection Implementation and Leadership
SESSION 2: MAY 3, 2024
Deflection Implementation and Leadership
SESSION 3: MAY 10, 2024
Deflection Implementation and Leadership
SESSION 4: MAY 17, 2024
Deflection Implementation and Leadership
SESSION 6: June 14, 2024
Deflection Implementation and Leadership
SESSION 7: June 28, 2024
Deflection Implementation and Leadership
SESSION 8: July 12
Deflection Implementation and Leadership
SESSION 10: August 9, 2024
Deflection Implementation and Leadership
SESSION 11: August 23, 2024
Deflection Implementation and Leadership
SESSION 13: May 7, 2025
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SESSION 1: October 16, 2024
SESSION 2: November 6, 2024
SESSION 3: The Deflection Hand Off
SESSION 4: December 4, 2024
SESSION 5: December 18, 2024
SESSION 7: February 19, 2025
SESSION 8: February 19, 2025
SESSION 9: March 5th, 2025
SESSION 10: March 10th, 2025
SESSION 11: April 2nd, 2025
SESSION 12: April 16th, 2025
SESSION 13: May 7th, 2025
SESSION 14: May 21st, 2025
SESSION 1: November 14, 2025
SESSION 2: December 10, 2025
SESSION 3: January 14, 2026
SESSION 4: February 11, 2026
SESSION 5: March 11, 2026
SESSION 6: April 8, 2026
SESSION 7: May 13, 2026
SESSION 8: June 10, 2026
What is Deflection?
- Deflection is the practice by which law enforcement, first responders, or community response, connect individuals to behavioral health treatment, social services, and recovery supports when issues of substance use are present. On September 1, 2024 possession of user level quantity of drug again became a misdemeanor level offense.
- Oregon’s House Bill 4002 (April 1, 2024) encourages law enforcement agencies to refer to new behavioral health deflection programs instead of citing/arresting an individual found in possession of controlled substances. Learn more about the bill here.
- Technical Assistance is funded by the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) The CJC Behavioral Health Deflection Grant Program supports Oregon counties and federally recognized tribal governments in the creation and operation of their deflection programs. Learn more about the Oregon CJC Deflection Programs here.
Deflection
“Deflection serves as a community-centered practice by which law enforcement or other first responders make warm handoffs to community-based treatment and/or other services for people who have substance use or mental health disorders. Deflection presents an alternative to arresting people who might otherwise either enter the justice system or receive no assistance to address their needs.” — definition courtesy of the Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network.
DEFLECTION
- Centered in the community
- Deflecting away from justice system without having entered it
- Does not create an arrest record
- Behavioral health guided with criminal justice partnerships
DIVERSION
- Centered in the justice system
- Diverting out of justice system after having entered it
- Creates an arrest record
- Criminal justice guided with behavioral health partnerships
Basics of Deflection
A Decision Making Tool for Police Leaders:
Methods for deflecting people away from arrest and into services in the community
Critical Elements of Successful First Responder Diversion Programs:
5 pathways of first responder diversion outlined
ECOURSE: A Community Engagement Tool for First Responders:
This three module course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of effective communication strategies for deflection.
ECOURSE: First Responder Deflection Certification Course:
An eCourse from JCOIN that introduces deflection
Resource Library
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- SAMHSA: Peer Support Workers for those in Recovery
- BJA: Five Steps to Effective Integration of Peer Recovery Support Services in the Criminal Justice System
- NASMHPD: Opening Career Pathways for Peers with Criminal Justice Backgrounds
- OHA: Peer Support Specialist
- Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon
- Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon Code of Conduct