Created by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, the Recovery Diversion Program (RDP) is a 12-week-to-6-month program that provides substance-use and co-occurring resources and support to defendants in Municipal Court. Upon successful completion, the Municipal Prosecutor makes a motion before the Municipal Court Judge for dismissal of the charge and expedited expungement, if applicable.
The Process: The Municipal Prosecutor will offer RDP to a defendant at arraignment. If interested, the candidate will be scheduled for an RDP session. During the session, the candidate will meet a recovery specialist from Hope Sheds Light. The recovery specialist will explain the program and schedule an initial appointment and an intake appointment with CPC Behavioral Healthcare or New Hope. After attending their appointment, the participant will begin treatment at the recommended level of care.
Eligibility: An eligible RDP candidate is a non-violent, low-level offender with a substance-use or co-occurring disorder. Prosecutors consider the candidate’s current charge, criminal history, and courtroom observations.
Location: The Recovery Diversion Program is offered to eligible defendants in Asbury Park, Freehold Borough, Howell, Keansburg, Keyport, Long Branch, Middletown, Red Bank, and Wall Township municipal courts. RDP was piloted in Long Branch in November 2021.
Compliance: The RDP team, under the supervision of the RDP Coordinator, will receive monthly compliance reports. Upon completing all recommended treatment, maintaining contact with Hope Sheds Light, and remaining arrest-free, the Municipal Prosecutor will make a motion for dismissal of the charge(s) before the Municipal Court Judge. Dismissals will be left to the discretion of the judge.
Graduation: Upon completion of RDP, each candidate is encouraged to invite family and friends to attend a graduation ceremony. The RDP Coordinator will provide each graduate with a graduation certificate. They will also receive a Relapse Prevention Folder, which includes the 24/7 Substance Use Helpline Card, the Hope in Monmouth Resource Card, and an invitation to continue attending the weekly RDP Peer Recovery Group.
Relapse Prevention Plan: After successful completion of RDP, all graduates are invited to continue to attend the RDP Recovery Support Group. They are also encouraged to call or text the helpline at 833-644-2273, which is available 24/7/365, and utilize other resources available through Operation: Hope in Monmouth.
