The Law Enforcement/First Responder Diversion and Referral Mentoring Initiative provides communities interested in starting diversion and referral programs the opportunity to learn from established or innovative programs that have shown success in meeting the treatment needs of individuals with a substance use disorder, and in some cases an overdose. There are seven sites that have been chosen to act as mentors for newer programs that are trying to establish a first responder diversion program.
During site visits, mentors will provide opportunities for observation and peer-to-peer exchanges, including opportunities to observe the law enforcement/first responder diversion or referral program in action and allowing mentee sites to engage with program personnel. Story County Iowa is interested in participating in the mentoring initiative.
Please check the box next to the following questions if the answer is 'yes'.
Please enter the applicable Event Date if there is an Event associated with this TTA.
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Milestones are an element, activity, work product, or key task associated with completing the TTA (e.g. kick-off meeting, collect data from stake holders, deliver initial data analysis).
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CHJ and Story County conducted the initial call on January 21, 2020, when the site expressed interest in being matched with a mentor site. CHJ matched Story County with Lake County's A Way Out program from Mundelein, IL, on February 10, 2020. On March 31, CHJ initiated a conference call between the mentor site Story County. And determined that the week of June 17th would be the optimal time for both sites to meet. Due to COVID-19, CHJ arranged staggered conference calls for both sites until travel restrictions are lifted. Additionally, CHJ has started an extensive TTA with the site to assist with developing their program. CHJ plans to switch in-person site visits to virtual site visits so that mentees can continue to take advantage of the benefits of mentorship.
Out of this mentorship came additional TTA services for Story County. We helped them identify their treatment capacity and plan their program using a strategic action planning tool. Story County hired a program coordinator on June 30th, applying job descriptions shared by the CHJ team.
On August 27, CHJ met with the mentor site (Lake County) to prepare for the upcoming virtual call with Story County (mentee). CHJ, Lake County, and Story County finalized a date for the initial virtual meeting on October 22. December 2nd, Story County and Lake County had their second mentee/mentor call. The call was a success, as indicated by Story County. Lake County has been able to answer questions about implementation and what the agency could expect.
Please respond to the Performance Metrics below. The Performance Metrics questions are based on the TTA Type indicated in the General Information section of the TTA.
Please submit a signed letter of support from your agency’s executive or other senior staff member. The letter can be emailed to or uploaded with this request. The letter should be submitted on official letterhead and include the following information:
- General information regarding the request for TTA services, i.e., the who, what, where, when, and why.
- The organizational and/or community needs specific to the request for TTA services.
- The benefits or anticipated outcomes from the receipt of TTA services.
By submitting this application to BJA NTTAC, I understand that upon approval of this application for TTA, the requestor agrees to keep BJA NTTAC informed of any circumstances that may impact the delivery of the TTA, including changes in the date of the event, event cancellation, or difficulties communicating with the assigned TTA provider.
Please call [site:phone] if you need further assistance completing this application.