Wisconsin Deflection Initiative aims to keep people out of  the criminal justice system

The flashing Kwik Trip gas pumps in Eau Claire County now carry a message of hope, a digital lifeline for those struggling with addiction and mental health challenges. This isn’t an advertisement for a new product, but an introduction to the Wisconsin Deflection Initiative, a program aiming to keep vulnerable individuals out of the criminal justice system. Eau Claire County launched its program in 2024 as part of broader opioid abatement efforts, partnering the sheriff’s office, public health department, human services, and criminal justice services to provide support and stability before crises escalate.

The Wisconsin Deflection Initiative: A Proactive Approach

The Wisconsin Deflection Initiative is modeled on the approach schools take with “at-risk” students, identifying individuals facing challenges like mental health issues or addiction and offering proactive support. School districts often identify students they call “at-risk” who might have a learning disability or low reading or math scores in order to provide them additional resources and attention to help them keep pace with their classmates and avoid dropping out. In Eau Claire County, the program is voluntary, open to those 18 and older residing in the county, who have undergone an assessment, agreed to case management, and have no outstanding warrants or felony charges. The program’s website states its mission is “connecting people experiencing substance use and/or mental health challenges with the care and resources they need—particularly in low-level, non-violent situations—while promoting healthier outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.” The initiative represents a shift from reactive incarceration to a preventative model for individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues, a growing concern given the number of people in Wisconsin jails and prisons facing similar challenges.

Currently, Eau Claire County's deflection program serves approximately 30 participants, with a total of 50-60 individuals assisted since its inception. Referrals often come from law enforcement responding to non-criminal calls, allowing for intervention before situations escalate to legal action. “Law enforcement gets sent to many different calls throughout their day, and the vast majority aren’t criminal in nature,” said Eau Claire County Sheriff Dave Reiewestahl. “Whether it’s mental health, substance use, there’s a variety of reasons why we get called, and the hope is that we can pair that person up with somebody in peer support and a case manager, you know, walks alongside that person, so they don’t get involved in the criminal justice system.” Individuals can also apply directly or self-report online.

To broaden awareness, the county utilizes various outreach methods, including informational videos at Kwik Trip gas pumps, advertisements on city buses, and social media campaigns. “It’s low-barrier, free services for individuals,” explained Brianna Marsden, recovery and justice service manager for the Eau Claire County Department of Human Services. “You don’t have to have Medicaid. You don’t have to have insurance. We’re not charging you for anything. It’s really trying to be in that space to help people when they’re ready for help.” The program's structure involves a 72-hour response to applications, followed by an intake meeting where participants sign an informed consent form and are connected to peer support specialists.

The Role of Peer Support

The program relies heavily on peer support specialists, individuals who have faced similar challenges and received training to mentor others. Emily Nichols, operations manager for At the Roots LLC, a provider of services through certified peer support specialists and recovery coaches, emphasized the importance of this connection. “Even if somebody is maybe wary of the system, oftentimes peer support or recovery coaching is an easier way for them to kind of get the help and support that they need without feeling like they’ve kind of been sucked into the system,” Nichols said. Her agency conducts brief screenings and matches participants with specialists who share similar backgrounds, meeting weekly to set goals and address basic needs. The provider often helps with practical things, such as rides to appointments, completing paperwork, or following up on leads for housing.

Nichols highlighted the profound impact these relationships can have. “We’ve had people who have said they truly have just never felt listened to before,” she said. “So it was the first time they had somebody who would listen to them without judging or offering unsolicited advice.” The program has facilitated enrollment in technical schools, job placement, and engagement in recovery meetings, fostering a sense of community and replacing potentially harmful relationships. “I think the biggest thing from our perspective is if we can reduce the level of harm that people are facing, whether that’s with the legal system, or it’s by stopping or reducing drug use,” Nichols added. “We’ve extended people’s opportunity to survive and exist … you cannot put a price on that.”

How the Program Operates

The Wisconsin Deflection Initiative aims to intervene before “bigger things” happen in people’s lives—accruing large financial debts, facing felony charges, losing a job, or acquiring a social stigma. The program prioritizes connecting people experiencing substance use and/or mental health challenges with the care and resources they need. Marsden said the pillars of the deflection program are case management, helping to secure resources, and peer support. The concept of flagging “at-risk” students is very similar to the deflection program effort to help “at-risk” people in the community. “We know something is going to likely happen if we don’t intervene,” she said, “so let’s just intervene so that nothing really big or significant happens.”

Addressing Root Causes and Future Expansion

The Wisconsin Deflection Initiative’s focus on preventative care and peer support is a welcome shift, but it also highlights the underlying societal issues that contribute to addiction and mental health struggles. With so many jails and prisons in Wisconsin filled with people who also have addiction and mental health problems, the deflection program offers a proactive, preventive alternative to incarceration. Currently, the program operates in roughly 11 counties in the state. Further evaluation of the program’s effectiveness, including data on recidivism rates and long-term recovery outcomes, will be crucial to informing future expansion efforts.

The Eau Claire County program’s reliance on referrals from law enforcement raises questions about the long-term sustainability of the model and its potential to reach individuals who might not otherwise engage with the system. The initiative underscores a critical need for accessible mental health and addiction services within Wauwatosa and across Wisconsin. The program’s success offers a blueprint for other communities seeking to prioritize prevention and support over punitive measures, ultimately contributing to safer and healthier neighborhoods.

Supporting families facing these challenges, strengthening community bonds, and investing in preventative programs are essential steps toward building a more resilient and compassionate society. It’s easy to celebrate the program’s successes—the individuals enrolled in technical school, the people finding employment—but we must also remember that these are symptoms of a larger problem: a culture that often leaves individuals feeling isolated, unsupported, and overwhelmed. As a community, we need to foster environments where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness, and where families can thrive with the resources and support they need.