Substance Use Diversion Program
The Substance Use Diversion Program (SUDP) is a voluntary pre-sentencing program for individuals diagnosed with an opioid use disorder or a stimulant use disorder. Individuals suspected of having one of these diagnoses are referred for assessment by the Judge, Commonwealth Attorney, Defense Attorney, Sheriff’s Office or clinical staff. A clinician completes a clinical assessment, and the Judge determines if the individual is eligible for programming. If eligible the participant works conjointly with the diversion case manager to develop a release plan. The Judge releases the participant on a bond with the expectation they will follow all the requirements stipulated in the release plan. The participant appears before the court, as determined by the Judge, for status updates on their progress and participation in programming. The participant receives substance use case management services, psychiatric services, clinical outpatient SUD services to include MAT, group and individual therapy, and peer services for the duration of their participation in the SUDP. They are transitioned to long term services once their court case is resolved. To be eligible for the program the defendants must be diagnosed with a stimulant use disorder or opioid use disorder, be competent, be willing to engage in all recommended treatment, be assessed to be in the action stage of change, live in the Greater Richmond region, and be charged with nonviolent offenses. Distribution charges or convictions are a disqualifier.
For a complete description please see the link below.