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Dunn County Project Hope is a group of professionals which include Social Workers and Behavioral Health Officers (BHO's) that conduct field interventions with citizens who are suffering from a substance use disorder.

It is not intended for everyone who commits crime, and there are those who belong in the criminal justice system. For others, extended engagement with the criminal justice system can have significantly negative impacts that go beyond the accountability that the system intends.  These strategies are employed with youth and adult populations.

Locally, we define diversion and deflection as the following:

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Diversion

A crime has been committed, but rather than have the individual go to jail and go through the criminal justice system, programming is offered as an alternative to keep the individual out of the system. As long as the person complies with the program, no formal charge(s) are filed.

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Deflection

A crime has not been committed, but an individual is at risk of entering the criminal justice system. Services and resources are offered proactively to prevent future criminal justice engagement.

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Project Hope is a voluntary program using a proactive approach to aid in assisting citizens who suffer with substance abuse (drug or alcohol related).  We help get citizens connected with various community resources and treatment options prior to, or after, law enforcement involvement.  Assistance is also provided to those upon release from jail to assist them with reintegration into the community.  Recovery is a process, so we try to encourage, connect, and support community members to improve their overall quality of life and lower recidivism.

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Project Hope social workers and Behavioral Health Officers wear plain clothes and use unmarked or covert vehicles to be discrete.  They can also meet anywhere in the County to meet the needs of the citizen.

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Angels of Red Cedar (ARC)

The Angels of Red Cedar (ARC) is a self-referral pathway initiative that allows people impacted by a substance use disorder a safe space to seek treatment.  If you or a loved one would like to be connected to substance use treatment please visit one of our ARC partner sites and ask for assistance.  You will be provided with information and connected with a member of Project Hope.  The member will assist with accessing in-patient or out-patient treatment, economic assistance, and other services to aid you in your recovery journey.  If you wish to turn in drugs or paraphernalia you may do so without fear of being arrested.  The sole purpose of the ARC initiative is to help people improve their health.

Please Note: The personal information of people seeking assistance will be kept confidential, and personal information will only be shared with your consent.  ARC is a HIPAA-compliant initiative.

Persons seeking treatment are welcome to go to one of our designated safe spaces in Dunn County.

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Quick Response Team (QRT)

The QRT is a group of professionals -- Social Workers, Behavioral Health Officers, and Paramedics -- that conduct in-the-field interventions with persons who have experienced a non-fatal overdose or are suffering from a substance use disorder.  The QRT connects individuals to treatment opportunities and helps them overcome barriers to a healthier life.

How does it work?

The QRT wears plain clothes and visits with people who have a substance use disorder.  The QRT provides people with treatment options, connects them to economic support, and provides services in partnership with those seeking help.

Note: People participating in treatment coordinated by the QRT are confidential and protected by HIPAA.

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