Deflection offers people a path to treatment and recovery supports instead of being arrested for drug possession. Law enforcement makes warm handoffs that link people with substance use disorders to vital community services.
Oregon established deflection programs in the fall of 2024 to help those struggling with addiction overcome barriers to services.
Services are delivered at the Coordinated Care Pathway center in Southeast Portland.
Participation is free and voluntary. Entry by referral only.
Services
Provided by peer-based Tuerk House. Open daily, 24 hours.
- Medical screening and mental health assessment
- Peer support
- Case management
- Referrals to community services (includes sobering, if appropriate)
- Transportation
- Showers, restrooms and laundry
- A secure place to store your stuff
- Beverages and light snacks
- Security and safety
Who Can Get Services
Anyone 18 or older who encounters law enforcement and may otherwise be charged for possessing small amounts of illegal drugs. And they:
- Have no outstanding warrants
- Are not committing any other crimes or offenses at the time of the encounter
- Are not experiencing a medical emergency or mental health crisis
- Can knowingly and voluntarily agree to deflection
You may also be referred to deflection by the district attorney’s office at a pre-trial hearing.
Oregon law allows law enforcement and partners to determine whether someone is eligible for deflection.
How It Works
Law enforcement encounters someone with small amounts of illegal drugs who qualifies for deflection. They offer them services. If the person accepts, they take them to the Coordinated Care Pathway Center instead of arrest.
A trained peer welcomes them to the center to ensure they feel supported, and guides them through intake and screening. We learn about their basic needs, and check their physical and behavioral health.
If we can’t safely meet their needs, we will transport them to other services (such as medical or psychiatric care).
Next, we work to develop a care plan based on their goals. The plan may include referrals to sobering, detox and treatment. And other supports like food, transportation, medical and dental services, and housing.
We offer transportation to the next place they need to go. Most leave the center in 3-4 hours. Sobering may take up to a day.
Data Reports
Includes number of referrals, deflections initiated, referring partners and more.
Partner with us
Multnomah County is looking for more partners to join our referral network. If your organization is interested, contact us.
Press resources
Tips for reporting about deflection services