Alternative Sentencing
 

265 Washington St.
Keene N.H.
(603) 355-0160
(603) 355-0159 Fax

Michael Potter, MED, LADC
Cell Phone (603)209-1531
EMAIL

Thanh Nguyen, BA
Cell Phone (603) 209.0637
283-3318
EMAIL

The Twelve Steps and other links

The Alternative Sentencing Program is a pilot program of the Cheshire County Commissioners. As a pilot program, the length of time an offender may be in the program may vary. It is anticipated that treatment plans will be developed that will consist of 12 week treatment intervals that may be extended up to one year. However, all referrals will be based on individualized plans of treatment, potentially using more than one service provider. Thus, it is not possible to predict the exact length of time any particular offender may be in the program. The County Commissioners hope that this program will help to curb recidivism and help offenders to become useful, productive members of our community.

MISSION STATEMENT

To provide an alternative to incarceration in the Cheshire County House of Correction for individuals who meet admission criteria and are willing to commit to the program.

Who’s Eligible?

• Misdemeanor offenders
• Substance abuse related offenders
• Offenders with mental health problems
• Domestic violence offenders
• Probationers with non-compliance issues

Program Components

• Referral by the criminal justice system
• Standardized assessment by Alternative Sentencing Program staff
• Referral to appropriate network providers
• Case management by Alternative Sentencing Program staff
• Random drug screening
• Weekly monitoring group
• Program evaluation
• Community education

How It Works

The principal goal of treatment is to equip the individual with the cognitive, emotional and behavioral skills necessary to choose and maintain an alcohol, drug, and crime free lifestyle.

Individuals must assume personal responsibility for their behavior despite the influence of environmental conditions and circumstances.

Clients are identified by the criminal justice system and referred to the Alternative Sentencing Program case manager for standardized evaluation and testing.

Based on the results of this assessment process, clients are referred to the Alternative Sentencing Program provider network for appropriate services.

The clinical case manager monitors the results of these services regularly and conducts a weekly client monitoring group.

Referral to 12-step programs will be made and monitored where appropriate.

Random drug screens will be a mandatory requirement for all alcohol and drug related offenders.

Program evaluation results will be reported to the appropriate agencies on a quarterly basis. Reports will include:

• re-offenses
• attendance with network providers
• levels of participation
• results of drug screens
• clinical improvement