This article appeared in the April 2020 edition of "Catching Up With COSSAP," an online newsletter distributed by the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program (COSSAP).
TASC's Center for Health and Justice (CHJ) is a COSSAP training and technical assistance partner and helps grantees implement evidence-based, systemic solutions at the front end of the justice system to respond to the substance use that often contributes to contact with the justice system.
Treatment Capacity: Divert to What?
"Law enforcement and first responder diversion offers a connection to treatment and recovery for individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). But before a system for referrals can be implemented within a community, the local availability and variety of treatment must be assessed in order to establish treatment capacity. Put another way, assessing treatment capacity answers the question, 'Divert to what?'"