Diverting homeless substance users from hospitalization and incarceration: an innovative agency collaboration.

ABSTRACT

In Washington State, U.S., 29 of every 10,000 individuals were homeless in 2019. It has been estimated that over 80% of chronically homeless individuals have experienced substance use disorders. Snohomish County Diversion Center (SCDC) is a program in Washington State designed to divert homeless individuals with substance use disorders from hospitalization and incarceration toward treatment and housing. It is a collaboration between the Human Services Department, Sheriff’s Office, and a not-for-profit organization. Police officers in collaboration with Law Enforcement Embedded Social Workers (LEESWs) visit homeless encampments where they make contact with potential clients and assess their interest in receiving substance use disorder treatment. Once a client agrees to the program, he/she is provided transportation to SCDC where individuals stay while they are being connected to services. An evaluation of the program has shown a reduction in incarceration, jail days, psychiatric hospital stays, and homelessness.