Harm Reduction Diversion

In January 2021, the District Attorney’s office implemented a Harm Reduction Policy (HR-Diversion) that diverted pre-filing drug possession, drug paraphernalia and drug and/or alcohol intoxication offenses (HR-Diversion offenses) to Health and Human Services for assessment and treatment in lieu of prosecution.  The pilot program was assessed after 6 months for effectiveness.

Approximately 15% of those referred to HHSA contacted HHSA for an assessment.  Approximately 10% engaged in treatment and/or continued in their current treatment.  Given the low number of engagement, the HR-Diversion policy was amended effective January 2022.  Instead of a pre-filing diversion, individuals arrested for HR-Diversion offenses are charged yet still referred to HHSA for an assessment.  Those who engaged HHSA and provided proof of engagement will have their charges dismissed for successful completion of post-filing diversion.  For more information, please read the Yolo County Harm Reduction Diversion 2021 Analysis.

Near the end of 2022, we completed an additional analysis of our Harm Reduction Diversion program, which can be read here: Yolo County Harm Reduction Diversion 2022 Analysis.