NCJ Number
71021
Date Published
1980
Length
69 pages
Annotation
A nine-unit seminar teaches courts's presentence investigation personnel techniques for diagnosing and screening problem drunk drivers and for selectively referring offenders to alcohol treatment programs.
Abstract
Sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under its Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP), the seminar begins with an introductory unit covering NHTSA standards, the genesis of the ASAP's, and the ASAP health/legal approach. National and Local statistics on alcohol-related highway crashes are reviewed, with particular emphasis on the average Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) at which drinking drivers are arrested and the prior arrest records of these drivers. A unit on alcohol and impairment focuses on the physiological effects of alcohol and its influence on driving abilities. Next, the multitude of factors which affect an individual's ability to drive at high BAC's (.10 and above) are discussed. Using examples of the various ASAP court systems, another unit examines the concept of screening and diagnosis for court referral. Preliminary diagnoses of sample cases are requested as 'homework' assignments. The second day includes presentation of a brief history of the types of instruments used in screening; the Court Procedure for Identifying Problem Drinkers (CPIPD) is the highlight of this unit. A CPIPD interview is demonstrated and the scoring explained. Guidelines are provided for a model referral form for use by the courts, probation, and treatment agencies. Court-monitored rehabilitation modes for each drinker type are suggested, as are ways to monitor attendance and completion of court-mandated programs. Finally, participants' views are solicited on how they will improve their courts' programs for screening, referral, and monitoring. Videotapes, a film, and roleplaying problems are seminar aids. The appendixes provide facts on alcohol abuse and criteria for diagnosing alcoholism. This is the participants' manual. For the instructors' manual, see NCJ 67780.