Implications for a System of Care in Hawai'i for Criminal Justice and Substance Use

Significant opportunities to improve treatment for substance use disorders can occur within the criminal justice system. This article will review the current system of care, understand current interventions available, and explore recommendations to better address community needs. With rising numbers of substance use and substance related deaths, this threat to the community is predicted to only worsen without intervention. There are multiple points in the justice system throughout the pretrial, court, and sentencing periods where the opportunity to help people with substance use disorder may occur. These points of diversion can focus on a more rehabilitative approach to crimes in the context of substance use disorder rather than punitive incarceration without adequate treatment. Police diversion can be increased and new police metrics incentivizing such efforts can be implemented in place of informal disposition by officers. Further training of law enforcement officers and continued development of support staff will help change practice allowing those with substance use disorders in the criminal justice system to connect to appropriate services. Data collection for research and analysis of recidivism among those engaged with diversion services compared to those who have not will help further guide future policy and resources for such programs.