Teen Alcohol Safety Program

Youth Services’ Teen Alcohol Safety Program (TASP) is located at its Brattleboro headquarters as part of the agency’s Court Diversion program.

Youth Services utilizes restorative justice practices, giving the participants who violated the law the opportunity to identify and repair the harm done to the victim, the community and themselves. Throughout the process, all parties are shown respect and empathy. We ensure the victims have a voice and that the community is actively involved. The offender works to not only repair the harm done to others, but also to learn how the address the underlying causes for their behavior.

TASP participants are 15- to 21-year-old youth who are referred to the program after receiving a notice to report from a police officer for possession and/or consumption of alcohol and the misrepresentation of their age in order to obtain alcohol.

The young person must complete Youth Services’ Diversion Board contract conditions related to the offense within 60 days in order to avoid receiving a 90-day driver’s license suspension and a $300 fine. Substance abuse screenings, community service, an educational piece and a $175 fee are part of the requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions:

If I finish this contract will I lose my license?

No.  By completing this program’s contract, you will avoid the 90-day license suspension and the $300 fine that would be imposed for failing the TASP program.  This does not apply if you have any other pending charges that may lead to losing your license.

Is there a fee? When will I need to have it paid by?

There is a $175 program fee that is due at enrollment into TASP.  If you are unable to pay the entire fee up front, you can provide $50 and a written schedule for when the fee will be paid in full.  The fee will need to be paid in full on or before the contract deadline or you may fail the TASP program.

What if I don’t live in Windham County or even in Vermont?

The only difference would be that you would have an intake interview over the phone versus coming into the office.  If you live in Windham County, VT, you’re required to come into the office at Youth Services and meet with the TASP Coordinator.

Where do I do my community service?

The community service can be done at any non-profit organization of your choice.  The hours will need to be recorded with a phone number, on the company’s letterhead, and signed by the person who supervised your work.

What is a drug/alcohol assessment?

This is a session(s) with a licensed drug/alcohol counselor of your choice.  The counselor will need to do an ‘evidence-based’ assessment.  This will be your responsibility financially, and you’ll be required to complete any follow-up recommendations that he/she may have.

Where do I go to get the assessment done?

If you live in Windham Country, the TASP Coordinator can provide you with a list of local counselors who do these assessments.  If you live outside of Windham County or Vermont, you can either look under “counselors” in the Yellow Pages, call and ask them if they do the assessments or use the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Indicator website; click on your state and find counselors nearest you.