Wisconsin Deflection Initiative (WDI) is a proactive community approach that addresses public health and safety challenges faced in Wisconsin communities.  By incorporating one or more of the following six pathways of Deflection, communities can now identify and deflect at risk populations to treatment and recovery services with limited criminal justice exposure.  Deflection programs connect individuals to systems of care at the earliest point possible to provide necessary resources and skills to improve recovery outcomes and reduce criminal activity. 

Wisconsin Deflection Initiative Essential Elements (WDIEE) - The Wisconsin Deflection Initiative Essential Elements serves as a guide to implement or expand the six pathways of deflection.  Deflection utilizes a multi-faceted approach to identify at risk populations and divert them to treatment and resources prior to arrest, overdose, or crisis.  For more information, please contact Brad Kelly, kellybc@doj.state.wi.us 

Deflection Performance Measures Guide - The 2024 Deflection Performance Measures Guide contains a set of suggested outcome and performance measures for Wisconsin deflection programs. For any questions, please contact Christine Schulz, schulzce@doj.state.wi.us 

Deflection Programs in Wisconsin

For more information on the Wisconsin Deflection Initiative, please contact Brad Kelly, kellybc@doj.state.wi.us 608-716-1870