Jim Everly has just become the first graduate of a diversion program for convicted drug users that began in January 2005 in Hancock County, Maine. After being caught buying heroin he faced an 18-month jail sentence. But then his attorney heard about the newly launched Deferred Sentencing Project that provided an extended treatment program as an alternative to jail. He applied and was deemed to be eligible. After first going through a detox, he started the program in April 2005, along with 15 others.
Everly had been a heroin addict for six years, at times spending up to $1,000 a week “just to function”. He still managed to hold down a job as an auto body specialist and keep his habit a secret. But after his run-in with the law it looked like he would also lose all the good things he had in his life, including his house and dogs. The 45-year-old was then given and took his chance.
While the Project is modelled on Adult Drug Treatment Programs - only available in six other counties in the state - in which offenders report to court every week, it differs in a couple of respects: it is funded privately and has a retired Superior Court justice, not active judges, to oversee the program.
Enrolees must go to five Narcotics Anonymous meetings a week, be subjected to random drugs tests a couple of times a week and check in every night. The program has a full-time case manager and also relies on the efforts of law enforcement officials, prosecutors, defense attorneys and substance abuse treatment professionals.
The Project presently only has enough funding to last for just over another year - $150,000 was raised for its first year of operations - but its continuation is by no means guaranteed. Hopefully Jim Everly’s success will be a good omen.
