A Look at Substance Use Diversion Programs in the Delaware Criminal Justice System Using the Sequential Intercept Model

Abstract

This commentary describes approaches by Delaware health and justice practitioners that divert justice-involved individuals presenting with substance use disorder (SUD) symptoms out of the criminal justice system and enhance connections to treatment and supportive services. It applies the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) used by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to discern opportunities for intervention at various stages of criminal processing. Examples of deflection/diversion programs at six of the SIM points are presented. Such cross-system collaborations are helping to redefine criminal justice reform and pathways of care after contact with the criminal justice system.