Participant Information

Court (62-B District)

WELCOME TO THE West Michigan Regional SOBRIETY COURT PROGRAM

Sobriety Court Judge: Hon. Amanda Sterkenburg
Sobriety Court Case Manager: Andrea M. Zufelt
Chief Probation Officer: Stephanie Koperski

4740 Walma SE, Kentwood, MI  49512
616.554.0722

This page is designed to answer questions, address concerns and provide overall information about the Sobriety Court Program. Participants are expected to comply with the treatment plan developed by the Sobriety Court Judge, Case Manager and treatment provider. Any specific questions should be directed to the Case Manager.



SOBRIETY COURT SESSIONS

The Sobriety Court is a comprehensive treatment and monitoring program for non-violent individuals that uses a team approach. The Sobriety Court Team will communicate regularly regarding progress. Sobriety Court targets individuals charged with drunk driving offenses who have a substance abuse history, and are likely to continue a pattern of crime because of addiction.
 
Inclusion in this program is determined by agreement of the Sobriety Court Team only after review of the risk and needs assessment, substance abuse history as well as your driving and criminal records. This program includes regular court appearances before the Sobriety Court Judge. The Sobriety Court uses a combination of positive and negative reinforcement to change behavior. Upon entry into Sobriety Court, you will be assigned to a treatment program customized to fit your needs. Treatment will include required random alcohol and drug testing, individual and group counseling, regular attendance at support group meetings or other recovery groups, attending various educational programs as well as participating in pro-social activities. In addition to substance abuse treatment, each individual will be screened for inclusion in education, job training, family counseling, or other programs designed to alter negative behavior.

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SOBRIETY COURT Phases

The Sobriety Court program is divided into four phases. All phases have requirements that must be met while in that phase.
Phase I
Phase II 
Phase III 
Phase IV
 
Phase I
Duration of 60 to 90 days
Participants are required to appear in court twice monthly and attend probation appointments weekly. There will be random drug and alcohol tests and attendance at support group meetings at a minimum of five times each week. You must submit to random home visits. Additionally, there will be individual and/or group counseling and participation in educational programs and/or employment.
 
PHASE II
Duration of a minimum of 120 days
Participants are required to appear in court monthly and attend probation appointments 3 times each month or as directed. There will be random drug and alcohol testing and attendance at a support group meetings a minimum of four times each week. Additionally, there will be continued participation individual and/or group counseling as directed and required participation in education programs or employment, and any other requirements as directed.
 
PHASE III
Duration of a minimum of 120 days
Participants are required to appear in court monthly and attend probation appointments twice monthly or as directed. There will be random drug and alcohol testing and attendance at a support group meetings a minimum of three times each week. Additionally, you are to maintain any other counseling as directed and continue participation in education programs or employment, submit to random home visits and complete any other requirements set by the Sobriety Court Team.
 
PHASE IV
Duration of a minimum of 120 days
Participants are required to appear in court monthly and attend probation appointments monthly. There will be random drug and PBT testing, and attendance at a support group meetings a minimum of three times each week. Additionally, you are to maintain any other counseling as directed and continue participation in education programs or employment, submit to random home visits and complete any other requirements set by the Sobriety Court Team.

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PHASE ADVANCEMENT

Movement between phases of the program is based on individual progress and will be decided by the Sobriety Court Team. The progress of each client is assessed weekly. Program violations will result in sanctions and possible return to an earlier phase of the program.
 
ATTENDANCE AT ALL SOBRIETY COURT SESSIONS IS REQUIRED

The Sobriety Court Judge will be given a progress report from the treatment team at each Sobriety Court session. The report will include information about your drug and alcohol test results, attendance at counseling, support group and probation meetings, attitude toward participation in the program and employment/education status. The Judge may ask questions about progress and discuss any specific problems. If you are not doing well, the Judge will discuss this with you and determine further action/changes. The goal of the Sobriety Court is to help you achieve abstinence from alcohol and other drugs. The Judge and the Treatment Team may change the conditions of your treatment program based on your success or failure. Sanctions such as jail, tether, increased reporting, work crew or community service may be imposed for program failures.

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PROGRAM SANCTIONS
Each violation of a program rule or relapse will be reviewed individually. Discharge from the program will depend on the severity of the violation. However, in all cases, a sanction may be imposed. Sanctions may include: increased court appearances, increased support group  meetings, community service, tether, a jail sentence, extension of or repetition of a treatment program, movement to a lower phase in the program or revocation of restricted driver's license.

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SOBRIETY COURT PROGRAM RULES
As a Sobriety Court participant, you will be required to abide by the program rules. These include but are not limited to:
  1.      Follow all probation conditions as ordered, including all appointments with the case manager.
  2.      Attend assigned treatment program and support group meetings as required.
  3.      Maintain a sober lifestyle.
  4.      Participate in pro-social activities.
  5.      Participate in all program requirements.
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PROGRAM VIOLATIONS and TERMINATIONS 
It is important to follow the program rules and keep all scheduled appointments. Program violations could result in the imposition of sanctions or termination from the Sobriety Court. Program violations could include:
  • Missed or positive drug or PBT tests
  • Failing to cooperate with or actively participate in the treatment program
  • Failing to attend the treatment program or support group meeting as required
  • Providing false information
  • Violence or threats of violence directed at program staff, treatment staff, or other clients
  • Arrest or conviction for a new criminal case.
 All decisions regarding sanctions or termination from the program will be made by the Sobriety Court Team.
 
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EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT
Recovery from substance addiction means developing skills to become a productive and responsible member of society. During the program, you will be expected to be employed or involved in an educational or vocational training program. Volunteer/community work may also be required. During the last three phases of the program and prior to graduation, employment will be required. If you do not currently have employment, your probation officer will assist you in obtaining an assessment of your needs and skills and will refer you to the proper agencies for education, training, and job placement.

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GRADUATION
Once you have successfully completed the Sobriety Court program, you will graduate. Advancement to graduation will be determined by the Sobriety Court Team and based on your program progress. You will be required to complete all requirements of each phase before requesting phase advancement.
 
At your graduation ceremony, your family and friends will be invited to be in attendance as the Judge and team congratulate you for successfully completing Sobriety Court and achieving your goal to live a sober life.
 
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DRIVER LICENSE INCENTIVE 
Your license will be suspended or revoked and an abstract sent to the Secretary of State.
 
The 62-B District Regional Sobriety Court Program requires a minimum 90 hard suspension (no restricted license) after program entry before consideration will be taken to determine if a restricted driver's license may be issued by the Sobriety Court Judge.
 
A restricted driver's license is an incentive for positive participation in the Sobriety Court Program, it is not a requirement.

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