Substance Abuse Focused Engagement for Recovery (SAFER) York

The York County Attorney's Office, Nebraska, proposes developing and implementing the Substance Abuse Focus Engagement for Recovery (SAFER York) program. This initiative aims to establish a prosecutor-led adult diversion program targeting individuals involved in the justice system due to substance misuse-related offenses in York County. Project activities will encompass both pre-booking and post-booking diversion options, evidence-based substance use disorder treatment, harm reduction interventions, and comprehensive recovery support services. To ensure effective implementation, peers and community navigators will be integrated into the program to assist participants in navigating the justice system and strengthening their connections to treatment and support services. 
 
Expected outcomes over the three-year grant period include the creation of a formal implementation manual detailing SAFER York's policies, procedures, and operational forms. The program seeks to divert many individuals into personalized treatment plans and establish supportive peer relationships. A final evaluation will assess participant outcomes, measuring reductions in substance use, incarceration rates, recidivism, and broader programmatic impacts. The best practices identified will be disseminated to inform and benefit similar initiatives across the state and nationally. 
 
Eligible participants, including those cited or booked into the York County jail for substance-related offenses, are the primary beneficiaries of SAFER York. The program aims to facilitate lasting rehabilitation and successful community reintegration by offering alternatives to traditional punitive measures. 
 
SAFER York emphasizes collaboration with community stakeholders to address substance misuse effectively. Subrecipient activities will involve a partnership with the Four Corners Health Department to deliver evidence-based substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and recovery services. Additionally, a collaboration with Wellbeing Initiative, Inc. will enhance community navigation services through certified peer support, aiding individuals in accessing and maintaining essential treatment support. 
 
SAFER York, provided at no cost to eligible participants, is scheduled to launch in January 2025, responding directly to local needs for robust substance misuse interventions within the justice system. This initiative underscores the importance of community involvement and stakeholder engagement in addressing and mitigating the impacts of substance misuse in York County.