Individuals who are contacted by law enforcement for misdemeanor drug possession or low-level quality of live crimes may be eligible to be deflected.

The following crimes are deflection eligible:
Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance
Criminal Trespass 2
Disorderly Conduct 2
Theft 3
Criminal Mischief 3 

The individuals also must reside in Lane County and agree to enter deflection.

If someone fails to complete the Behavioral Health Deflection Program the original charges that had been held in abeyance could be charged and the individual at that time enters the criminal justice system.

Successful deflection could look different for each individual. The general measure of success is that the individual is participating in programs and treatment and is making measurable progress. For some this could take 3 months while others could take 12 months.

Lane County's Behavioral Health Deflection Program launched in October of 2024 and as of October 24, 2024 we have 6 participants.

Peer navigators are individuals with lived experience in the criminal justice system who will work with individuals in the Behavioral Health Deflection Program. They provide case management and will refer individuals to programs such as substance abuse treatment and housing assistance.

Lane County partnered with Ideal Option who will provide peer navigation services for the deflection program. 

The Behavioral Health Deflection Program was created with the passage of House Bill 4002 by the Oregon Legislature in the spring of 2024. Along with the recriminalization of drug possession this bill also allocated money for the creation of Behavioral Health Deflection programs. Money was allocated for all 36 counties and the each tribe residing in Oregon to create deflection programs in their communities.