ClackCo Chair: Funds for drug treatment may be too late ‘unless they give it to us now’
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Its official: Clackamas County is the only one of almost two dozen counties that applied to be denied state money to set up a deflection program that would give drug users treatment instead of jail time.
On Wednesday, the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission finished approving the plans put forth by each county in compliance with House Bill 4002 when it goes into effect Sept. 1 and recriminalizes the possession of small amounts of hard drugs.
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Clackamas County first found out their proposal had not been approved earlier this week, effectively ruling it out for state funding. According to the Criminal Justice Commission, the county’s plan more closely resembled “diversion” than “deflection.”
The committee has since agreed to take another look at the county’s plan, though they did not specify when.
Clackamas County Chair Tootie Smith said she is still stunned that their program is the only one denied funding for now, adding that they are running out of time.
“We cannot stand this program up by Sept. 1 with the money they gave us, unless they give it to us now,” Smith said. “If they delay, and they delay, and they delay, our implementation will be delayed.”
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Smith said she planned to speak with Gov. Tina Kotek on Wednesday.
Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton said he also believes Clackamas County’s program should get funding.
Meanwhile, both Smith and Barton said Multnomah County’s plan to set up a deflection center will be “a disaster” without enforced requirements for treatment.
Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue to follow county deflection efforts.
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