State of Wisconsin 2024 Comprehensive Opioid Stimulant and Substance Abuse Site-Based Program

The Wisconsin Department of Justice (WI DOJ), the State Administering Agency (SAA will expand on the previous strategic efforts in Wisconsin, utilizing expertise gained from the FY19 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program (COSSAP) grant administered by the WI DOJ.  This project aims to reduce the impact of opioid, stimulant, and substance misuse by expanding pre-arrest diversion programs, implementing technology solutions, and conducting comprehensive evaluations. 
 
Project activities include awarding subgrants to ten new geographically diverse Deflection sites, providing technology upgrades to existing sites, and conducting process and impact evaluations. New sites will implement the six pathways of Deflection, focusing on infrastructure development, training, and technology integration. Existing sites will receive support to modernize processes through technology implementation for screening, case management, and participant engagement. The WI DOJ's Bureau of Justice Information and Analysis will conduct evaluations to assess program implementation, operations, and impact on recidivism and cost-effectiveness. 
 
Expected outcomes include expanded access to treatment and recovery support services, strengthened public safety and public health collaborations, and reduced substance use impact on individuals and communities. Deliverables will include implementation of ten new Deflection sites, technology upgrades for existing sites, validation of the Proxy screening tool, process and impact evaluations, and development of public and program-specific data dashboards. 
 
The project will serve the entire state of Wisconsin, encompassing urban, suburban, rural, and tribal communities. It will prioritize expanding services to underserved rural areas and tribal nations, with a focus on addressing racial disparities in overdose deaths. 
 
Intended beneficiaries include individuals at risk of substance use-related justice system involvement, law enforcement agencies, behavioral health providers, and communities affected by substance misuse. 
 
Subrecipient activities will include implementing pre-arrest diversion programs, establishing processes for participant identification and referral, providing stabilization services, utilizing peer support specialists, and participating in data collection efforts. Ten new Deflection sites will receive up to $500,000 each to implement these activities. Known Deflection sites will receive funding to implement technology solutions for improving program efficiency and effectiveness. All subrecipients will collaborate with the WI DOJ and evaluation team to support comprehensive data collection and evaluation efforts.