The Lantern Project
The Lantern Project is a Deflection, Diversion, and Reentry program that supports people with histories of substance use who are justice-impacted by connecting them to therapeutic supports as soon as possible. The Lantern Project team—a CJRD Diversion Coordinator and Reentry Counselor, and a Freedom House Recovery Center Clinician and Peer Support Specialist—provide support and referral assistance to each individual throughout the course of their journey. The Lantern Project has two strategies—deflection/diversion and reentry. The deflection/diversion strategy works with people who have been arrested or are about to be arrested. The reentry strategy works with people who are currently in the custody of the local jail, as well as those who have been recently released from jail, toward reentering the community.
The Lantern Project is a partnership between CJRD and Freedom House Recovery Center, originally grant funded by an award from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in 2021 and sustained by NC Opioid Settlement Funds as of July 2023.
Mission
The mission of the Lantern Project is to support individuals who are justice involved or at risk of justice involvement with person-centered and evidence-based services to reduce recidivism and risk of overdose.
Program Purpose & Information
The Lantern Project provides behavioral health services and up-to-date education and information about harm reduction measures taking place throughout Orange County.
The goal of the Lantern Project is to provide increased access to care and support to people with a history of substance use who are involved in the criminal legal system in Orange County through deflection/diversion coordination and reentry navigation. Harm Reduction practices, reentry support, and deflection/diversion improve community relations with law enforcement, reduce racial disparities in the criminal legal system, and improve public health outcomes.
Deflection/Diversion Project
The Lantern Project Diversion Coordinator receives referrals from local law enforcement officials, district attorneys, and court personnel for people who have a history of substance use who are at risk of getting arrested or have an open criminal court matter. The Diversion Coordinator will meet with the individual, assess their specific needs, and create an individualized Diversion Service Plan. Upon completion of the Diversion Plan, the matter or criminal court case may be closed out and/or dismissed and the Diversion Coordinator will complete additional referrals for driver license restoration, expungement, or other services that may be needed. The Diversion Coordinator will also work with the individual throughout their journey and provide ongoing case management. The duration of Diversion Plans vary but typically do not extend past 90 days.
Pre-conviction Reentry Project
The Lantern Project Reentry Counselor receives referrals from Detention Center personnel, the Local Reentry Council, the Pretrial Services Director, and the Clinical Coordinator to conduct intake assessments for individuals who are currently detained at the Orange County Detention Center or who have been released from jail within the last month. The Reentry Counselor will work with each individual to refer them to peer support and other services while they are detained and will create a transition plan to ensure they are connected to support and services immediately upon their release. The Reentry Counselor will also work in conjunction with Freedom House staff to assist with behavioral health treatment referrals that will support the individual in a successful and seamless transition back into the community.
Deflection/Diversion and Reentry Eligibility Criteria
- At least 18 years old
- History of substance use
- May have a criminal background and/or an open or pending court case (felony or misdemeanor)
- Referrals can be pre-charge or post-charge (Diversion)
- Currently detained or released from jail within the past month (Reentry)
- Restrictions on pre-charge deflection referrals:
- No traffic charges
- No cases involving high restitution
Make a referral to the Lantern Project
Orange County CJRD Diversion/Deflection Program Referral Form