Created by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, the Recovery Diversion Program (RDP) is a 12-week to 6-month long diversion 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 arraignments. If interested, the candidate will be scheduled for a 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 a recovery specialist appointment with Hope Sheds Light 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, Long Branch and Red Bank Municipal Courts. RDP will be offered in Howell and Keansburg starting in October 2023. 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 before the Municipal Court Judge. Dismissals will be left in 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.

For more information about the Recovery Diversion Program, please contact RDP Coordinator Assistant Prosecutor Lindsay Ashwal at lashwal@mcponj.org