Benton County Implements Treatment Over Trial for Drug Offenders Under Oregon’s House Bill 4002

Benton County has launched a new program to provide treatment and support services for qualifying drug offenders rather than taking them to court.

The Benton Behavioral Health Deflection Program, funded by House Bill 4002 as part of Oregon’s statewide initiative, connects people with treatment and support services through a partnership between law enforcement and behavioral health organizations.

How the Process Works

When someone is cited for drug possession, the district attorney’s office assesses their eligibility for treatment. Qualifying individuals are offered the option of undergoing treatment or going to court.

Those opting for treatment are assigned a peer mentor. Rules are that they must actively engage in the treatment program for 60 consecutive days, after which the drug citation case against them will be dismissed.

Benton County District Attorney Ryan Joslin says the program offers drug offenders the opportunity to voluntarily obtain treatment without the delays associated with standard criminal prosecutions. Joslin says apart from treatment, individuals will also receive other self-harming services.

HB 4002 provided one-time funding for the program through to 30 June. Similar legislation for the continuation of the program will be presented to Oregon lawmakers during the 2025 state legislative session.