CARE team helps break cycle of addiction-driven crime

The CARE Team in Marysville is utilizing mandatory minimum sentencing laws to create pathways for recovery rather than defaulting to incarceration. Individuals facing jail time for offenses like theft and public drug use can petition for treatment, allowing the team to step in with support. This year, 16 out of 32 eligible individuals engaged with the CARE Team, resulting in a remarkable 93 percent acceptance rate for assistance. Officer Bryant Gerfin and Case Manager Juli Hastings collaborate to provide assessments, treatment plans, and housing resources. Client Casey Bryner shares how the team helped him regain stability after years of addiction and legal issues.

Gerfin emphasizes that compassion is crucial in outreach, as it fosters a sense of humanity and encourages compliance with treatment. The CARE Team's success illustrates the effectiveness of combining enforcement with rehabilitation in breaking the cycle of addiction-driven crime. This innovative approach has the potential to reshape community responses to addiction and homelessness.