New Initiative in Paterson Offers Hope to Non-Violent Offenders with Substance Use Disorders

The Opt for Help and Hope Program Launches in Paterson, Aiming to Provide Support Over Incarceration for Substance-Related Offenses

Paterson, NJ, marks the debut of the Opt for Help and Hope initiative, a groundbreaking program designed to assist non-violent offenders battling substance use disorders. Spearheaded by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, in collaboration with local law enforcement and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, this initiative offers a compassionate alternative to traditional criminal proceedings, focusing on recovery and rehabilitation.

Introduction to the Program:

Who & What: Attorney General Platkin, along with Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Officer in Charge Isa Abbassi, have rolled out the Opt for Help and Hope program in Paterson. This initiative is targeted at non-violent criminals whose offenses are tied to substance use disorders.
Where & When: Paterson is the first among six New Jersey cities to launch this pilot program, which is now operational and includes specially trained police officers to identify eligible individuals.

Funding and Administration:

How: The program is funded by a settlement with McKinsey and Company over their role in opioid product misrepresentation. It's managed by the New Jersey Coordinator for Addiction Responses and Enforcement Strategies (NJ CARES).
Why: The initiative aims to minimize the destabilizing impact of arrests and convictions on individuals striving for recovery.

Program Mechanics:

Services Offered: Partnering with Prevention is Key, Inc., the program provides peer recovery specialists to assist defendants. Successful participants can have their charges dismissed upon meaningful engagement with recovery services.

“People who are dependent on narcotics or other substances and commit non-violent crimes need help, not a criminal record that can interfere with their chances of recovering from the disease of addiction,” said Attorney General Platkin.

Implementation and Impact:

Scope: The initiative extends to the municipal court level, offering early intervention and screening for Paterson residents.

“Opt for Help and Hope will provide early intervention, screening, and services at the Paterson municipal court level for individuals on the path to recovery,” said Passaic County Prosecutor Valdes.

“Police officers are often on the front lines of many crises in the community, including helping people with substance use disorder issues,” said Officer in Charge Abbassi. “This program will offer another tool for them when interacting with someone dealing with addiction to get them the help they need with the hopes of them not offending again.”

Expansion Plans:

Further Rollouts: The program will extend to five other municipal courts in New Jersey, selected based on drug-related data and resources.

“Since we announced funding for the Opt for Help and Hope program last November, NJ CARES has been working with each of the six selected County Prosecutor’s Offices to assist them in the development of their prosecutor-led diversion programs,” said Kelly E. Levy, Acting Director of NJ CARES.

Funding and Future Outlook:

Funding Sources: Over $1 billion from lawsuits against companies involved in opioid-related misconduct is anticipated to aid New Jersey’s fight against the opioid epidemic.
Program Duration: The pilot program is funded for 24 months, from March 1, 2023, to February 28, 2025.

The Opt for Help and Hope program represents a significant shift towards addressing substance use disorders within the criminal justice system. With its focus on rehabilitation over incarceration, the initiative not only offers a chance for recovery to non-violent offenders but also marks a pivotal step in New Jersey's ongoing battle against substance abuse and its far-reaching consequences.