FEATURED STORY:
“My first step to recovery was admitting that my life was spiraling out of control. I will always be grateful for the assistance that I received from Nassau TASC. They never gave up on me.” – L.G.
At 21, L. never thought she would ever see the inside of a jail cell. She lived in a great community with very supportive parents. L. first tried alcohol when she was 2 years old. Her parents were hosting a party at their home and she wanted to try some of the vodka that all of the adults seemed to be enjoying. At 15, she began drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana daily because her friends were doing it. At first, the partying seemed fun, but gradually, L. began experimenting with other drugs and by the time she reached her 20th birthday, she was using heroin daily. During this five year span of partying, L. acquired new friends whose main interest in life was getting high. During a visit to the Nassau County Correctional facility, L. was arrested for attempting to bring drugs to an incarcerated friend. She was screened and assessed by TASC and found eligible to participate in the program. Upon her successful completion from TASC, L. recognized the importance of continuing to seek support and remains involved with self-help groups. She is employed, reunited with her family and lives a healthy and productive life.
The Nassau TASC Program includes assessment of an offender’s addiction, a determination of the most appropriate treatment placement, referral to treatment and monitoring for the courts. Offenders with a history of violent crimes or who are currently charged with a violent crime are ineligible to participate in TASC. TASC does not accept offenders with a history of inappropriate or illegal sexual acts, arson, or severe mental illness. Offenders must have a current history of substance abuse and be willing to enter treatment for a minimum of 12 months.
Potential participants are identified by referral from the Court, a Defense Attorney, the District Attorney, Probation, or Parole. A treatment plan is developed by TASC staff and presented to the Court for its approval. TASC clients are monitored by staff with an expertise in substance abuse, and regular reports are presented to the Court outlining client progress. Persons not in compliance with all conditions of the TASC treatment plan are returned to the Court for criminal processing.
Nassau TASC staff is comprised of dedicated professionals delivering screening, assessment, referral and case management services. In recent years, there has been increasing awareness of the value of Treatment Accountability for Safer Communities (TASC) program services as a means to identify suitable offenders with substance abuse problems for diversion. TASC services positively influence numerous offenders to acknowledge their substance abuse problems, undergo treatment and counseling, and comply with terms and conditions of their release. TASC programs provide essential support and coordination of service delivery to achieve successful reintegration of participants to their respective communities.
Download our brochure: Nassau TASC brochure