As part of an overall strategy to create a more effective approach to parole supervision, the New Jersey State Parole Board established the Community Programs Unit that diverts ex-offenders with chronic substance abuse programs away from the parole revocation process and into appropriate treatment facilities. The research supporting the use of substance abuse treatment diversion for nonviolent offenders is reviewed along with data indicating the significant monetary savings associated with sending ex-offenders to treatment facilities rather than to correctional facilities. Ex-offenders who violate their parole regarding substance use are assigned to one of four diversion programs where they receive intensive substance abuse and life skills counseling in a residential or outpatient setting. Once the ex-offender successfully completes the program they are free to return to the community to resume the remainder of their parole, generally with an aftercare plan in hand. The Parole Board next plans to conduct an effectiveness evaluation of their four diversion programs. Endnotes