Strategic Treatment & Engagement Program

STEP Court is a collaboration between MCDA and the Multnomah County Circuit Court in response to the urgent need to advance public safety with a targeted approach to violent crime. The program provides court-directed supervision and a wide variety of treatment to eligible individuals convicted of Assault I or Robbery I with substance use, mental health concerns, or cognitive behavioral issues underlying their criminal behavior. STEP Court uses an evidence-based approach to reduce the likelihood that an individual will re-offend, meaning fewer victims and safer communities. Victims also have input into the selection of defendant participation.

Program Components

STEP Court consists of five phases, with participants progressing through the steps only when they’ve successfully met the requirements of each phase. The program uses risk and need assessments to determine the level of treatment, supervision, court appearances, and other supports each participant needs and with which they are required to comply. After completion of the five phases, participants move into an aftercare program for a minimum of 90 days. Graduates continue to be supervised by the Department of Community Justice until completion of their supervision sentence.

Results

To date, there have been 59 STEP Court participants, with an 8.5% recidivism rate. This is significantly low compared to the 46.8% recidivism rate in Multnomah County for high-risk individuals convicted of person crimes.