Since 1990, Treatment Alternatives for Safer Communities (TASC) of Orange County has been serving people with substance use disorders who are facing felony charges in Orange County Court. TASC is an alternative to incarceration program. The services are utilized at the post-plea, pre-sentencing level. TASC works with the criminal justice system to obtain referrals and support recommendations aimed at engaging and retaining clients in substance use treatment, thereby reducing recidivism and promoting community safety.

What is the TASC process?

If the person meets the eligibility criteria, a TASC case manager will advocate in Court for treatment as an alternative to incarceration, as Court approval is discretionary for eligible applicants. If the Court gives approval, the case manager will do an in-depth assessment to determine what appropriate treatment recommendation would be indicated. That recommendation is given at the next Court appearance, the referral process then begins and admission into the indicated program is facilitated. Throughout the treatment process the TASC case manager will provide the Court with progress updates which are also provided to the defense council, District Attorney and Probation (if appropriate). The goal is for the individual to successfully complete all treatment programs, including indicated aftercare, avoid a sentence of incarceration and to move on with their lives in a healthy, productive, and positive manner.

What is the eligibility criterion?
The offender is currently charged with a non-violent B Felony or lesser non-violent felony offense in the Orange County Court and is eligible for alternative to incarceration sentencing OR the offender is currently charged with a Violation of Probation by the Orange County Department of Probation.

• An applicant MUST be a legal resident of Orange County due to funding requirements.
• The offender is at least 18 years old and under the jurisdiction of the adult court.
• The offender can be diagnosed with a substance use disorder. An offender with a primary mental diagnosis other than a substance use disorder will be ineligible for TASC services.
• An offender with a significant violent background (as determined by prior charges or documented behavior) will be considered ineligible for TASC services.
• An offender charged with any sex offense, arson, coercion, or a PL Section 121 offense, presently or has been convicted in the past of such charges will be considered ineligible for TASC services.