The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)-supported First Responder Deflection Mentoring Initiative will be expanding in February 2023, adding three additional mentors to the program. This program is part of the training and technical assistance resources available to local jurisdictions through BJA's Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP).
The February 2023 expansion will have a priority focus on non-law enforcement-led deflection (e.g., co-responder and community paramedicine programs), tribal deflection, deflection initiatives in rural areas, programs responding to stimulant use disorder, and initiatives serving racially and ethnically diverse communities.
The First Responder Deflection Mentoring Initiative provides communities interested in starting or enhancing a deflection program with the opportunity to learn from established or innovative programs that have shown success in supporting individuals with substance use disorder in their community. The mentor sites selected through this application process will serve as models for individuals and teams interested in starting a program or for established programs interested in learning innovative practices.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. ET, on January 30, 2023. Visit the following COSSUP webpages and resources to learn more about this program and opportunity: