The Vanderburgh County Court Alcohol and Drug Program operates under the auspices of Vanderburgh Superior Court, Misdemeanor Division. It is certified by the Indiana Office of Court Services under the authority of Indiana Code 12-23-14. It adheres to Program Rules established by the Indiana Court Alcohol and Drug Program Advisory Committee (CADPAC). CADPAC is made up of sixteen experienced judges and program directors from across the state.

Vanderburgh County has long been at the forefront of utilizing treatment and rehabilitative approaches whenever possible as opposed to more traditional punitive approaches. DADS was the first program of its kind in Indiana, dating back to the late 1970s. Judge William Brune started the program. Bill Campbell was the original Program Director.

All Court Alcohol and Drug Program staff members are required to be certified by the Indiana Office of Court Services with a credential known as CSAMS (Court Substance Abuse Management Specialist). There are specific training, experience, and testing requirements to earn the credential. The two current professional staff members in the department have been working in various substance abuse programs in the criminal justice system for well over twenty years.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEFERRAL SERVICE (DADS)

The DADS Program presents 1^st-time DUI offenders an opportunity to have the charge dismissed upon successful completion of the program. Entrance into DADS is by mutual agreement of the defendant and the prosecutor.

QUALIFICATIONS – To be admitted to DADS, candidates cannot:

• Have a prior conviction for drunk driving.
• Have prior participation in a DUI deferral program.
• Be on probation, parole, or any other form of community supervision.
• Have any other pending charges.
• Have an associated charge of Battery On A Police Officer with the DUI.
• Have an associated charge of Leaving The Scene Of An Accident with the DUI.
• Possess a CDL.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS – All participants in DADS:

• Submit to a substance abuse assessment conducted by a certified staff member.
• Attend and successfully complete an appropriate level of services. These may include one of the following to be determined by staff at the assessment:
  • A minimum of 20 hours of alcohol and drug education classes, or
  • Outpatient counseling or treatment through a local agency of the client’s choosing, or
  • Inpatient treatment services.
• Submit to random screens to detect the usage of alcohol and other drugs.
• Continue to meet with the program case manager for the full year of the program to monitor compliance with program terms and to measure treatment progress.

Qualifications and program requirements listed above are not intended to be all-inclusive but are substantially representative.

OTHER PROGRAMS

DATS (Drug and Alcohol Treatment Service) is a one-year program for misdemeanor substance-related offenders, particularly repeat offenders. It operates similarly to DADS, but without a dismissal of charges. A substance abuse assessment, referral to appropriate services, random testing, and ongoing case management are essential aspects of the program.

YAP (Youth Alcohol Program) is a briefer program for those aged 18-21 charged with consuming, possessing, or transporting alcohol. A substance abuse assessment, appropriate services, and random testing are required. This program lasts a minimum of four months, longer if necessary to accomplish treatment objectives. Charges are dismissed upon successful completion of the program.