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Suffolk County Government

Edward P. Romaine, County Executive
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Departments > CJCC > ATI Programs

Adult Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) Programs

Programs administered by the Suffolk County Probation Department

Batterers/Partner Abuse (Domestic Violence Program)

Phone: (631) 853-5515

Purpose:

To modify the batterer’s behavior through a correctional intervention program which combines Intensive Probation Supervision with orientation groups and a 52-week clinical group.

Criteria:

Intimate partner abusers who have been convicted of the following charges: Assaults; Menacing; Aggravated Harassment; Criminal Contempt of a Court issued Order of Protection and Criminal Obstruction of Breathing.

Exclusions:

Untreated mental illness or those unable to benefit from group process.

Referral Process:

Referrals from Probation.

Intensive Supervision Narcotic Unit

Phone (631) 853-6297

Purpose:

To provide a more intensive level of supervision to probationers who are considered high-risk substance abusers and whose drug/alcohol abuse is so chronic and/or severe that it undermines their ability to comply with their conditions of probation. Probationers participate in a cognitive behavioral group treatment program to reduce recidivism.

Criteria:

Unit accepts newly sentenced cases as well as those currently on probation supervision.

Exclusions:

Interim supervision cases are not accepted.

Referral Process:

Referrals from Probation.

Interim Probation

Phone: (631) 852-5107

Purpose:

Interim Probation has been used by the courts in Suffolk County to provide immediate supervision to post-plea defendants who have not yet been formally sentenced. It is used when the court wishes to defer sentencing in order to gauge the defendant’s ability to engage in law-abiding behavior and adhere to specific conditions set by the court.

Criteria:

This program requires defendants to enter a guilty plea before starting a period of probation supervision. If the defendant demonstrates stable and lawful behavior for the full term of probation, they may be eligible for a reduction in their plea when they return for sentencing.

Exclusions:

Must meet probation eligibility requirements.

Referral Process:

Judiciary; DA; Legal Aid; Private

Electronic Surveillance Unit

Phone: (631) 852-6824

Purpose: This surveillance includes Radio Frequency Electronic Monitoring, GPS Tracking, and Alcohol Monitoring with the SCRAM device. A 24-hour monitoring of defendant’s activities that can be ordered as an alternative to incarceration in conjunction with the Supervised Release Program, Drug Court, or in conjunction with a sentence of probation.
Criteria: Offender, for whom jail is a likely, but not a mandatory outcome, and who is not perceived as a violent threat to family or community. Candidates must be screened in advance by Probation. Must sign conditions to comply.
Exclusions: Each case will be individually evaluated.
Referral Process: Judiciary; prosecution or defense counsel. When being considered by a Probation Officer as a condition of Probation, or as a sanction on a violation of Probation, a referral should be made through CX.

Ignition Interlock

Phone: (631) 852-5069

Purpose: An ignition interlock device is a ‘breath alcohol analyzer,’ which is connected to a vehicle’s ignition system, and monitors the use of alcohol by those offenders convicted and sentenced for an alcohol-related DWI. In order to start a vehicle equipped with this device, the vehicle operator is required to submit to a breath test, the results of which are reported to the Probation Department. If the interlock device detects alcohol in the breath sample at or above .025% BAC [Breath Alcohol Concentration], the operator will be prevented from starting the vehicle, thus helping to protect the public from those offenders who attempt to drive while under the influence of alcohol.
Criteria: Ignition interlock is a mandatory condition of sentence for those offenders convicted of an alcohol related DWI (misdemeanor or felony), to include violations of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law under sections 1192.2, 2-a, or 3, and who are sentenced on or after 8/10/2010. Ignition interlock is also a mandatory condition of sentence for those offenders convicted of any Penal law offense of which a violation of the 1192 sections cited above is also an essential element. The law requires installation of the interlock device in any vehicle owned or operated by the offender during the term of Probation or Conditional Discharge, and in no event for less than six (6) months, regardless of the status of the offender’s license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle.
Exclusions: Only those offenders who own or operate a motor vehicle at any point during the interlock term specified by the sentencing court will be required to install the device. All costs and fees associated with the installation and maintenance of that device are the responsibility of the offender. However, if the sentencing court determines that the offender cannot afford the expense associated with the interlock program, the court may either impose a payment plan, or waive the cost altogether, depending on the offender’s financial circumstances. Therefore, even those offenders with limited financial resources are not excluded from participation.
Referral Process: Those offenders subject to ignition interlock condition of sentence will be identified by the assigned probation officer when community supervision/monitoring begins. Offenders will be given contact information for all authorized interlock vendors serving the county, so as to insure offender compliance with all statutory requirements.

Mental Health Unit

Phone: (631) 853-5479

Purpose: To provide specialized services and intensive supervision to probationers who have been identified as suffering from an Axis I psychiatric diagnosis. The emphasis is on promoting wellness through compliance with treatment and medication. There is ongoing interaction with treatment agencies and case management service providers.
Criteria: The probationer must have an Axis I psychiatric diagnosis completed within the past year and the probationer needs to be engaged in treatment.
Exclusions: Anyone without an Axis I diagnosis. If mental illness is indicated but there has been no evaluation, a referral should be made to this program. A psychiatric evaluation through program consultants may be available.
Referral Process: Referrals made through Probation.

Probation Addictions Treatment (DWI)

Phone: (631) 852-5074

Purpose: To reduce recidivism through a combination of intensive probation supervision and community based treatment provided by credentialed counselors working in direct partnership with Probation Officers.
Criteria: For newly sentenced multiple DWI offenders, as well as probation violators who receive a split sentence. In general, DWI offenders who serve the incarceration portion of their sentence at the Suffolk DWI Alternative Facility will be assigned to the PAT program upon their release from custody. Therefore, the criteria for inclusion parallel the criteria for the STOP DWI program. Typically, offenders sentenced to the PAT program have a history of DWI’s, were previously supervised by Probation and/or TASC, and have a history of alcohol/substance abuse treatment.
Exclusions: Participation limited to Suffolk residents, who agree to maintain their residency until treatment completion.

Supervised Release

Phone: (631) 853-5007

Purpose: To facilitate the release of pre/post-plea defendants, including those with drug, alcohol, mental health problems, or quality of life issues, for supervision by Probation and referral to community-based resources.
Criteria: Ineligible for Release on Recognizance, willing to sign conditions of release and accept pre-trial Probation supervision and services.
Exclusions: Eligible for Release on Recognizance; has warrants or holds; poses threat to public safety; currently sentenced to probation or parole.
Referral Process: Judiciary; prosecution or defense counsel; Probation Department.

Programs administered by the Suffolk County Court System

Drug Treatment Court

Ed Gialella
Phone: (631) 853-5435

Purpose: An interdisciplinary team focus in a Drug Court setting designed to provide early intervention to the drug-using offenders and to provide case management, intensive supervision, immediate treatment and education as an alternative to incarceration.
Criteria: Non-violent offenders over the age of 16 charged with drug possession and/or drug addiction-driven offenses, willing to enter a guilty plea, and sign a contract which details participation requirements and the alternative sentence (time in jail/prison) for voluntary termination or non-compliance. For a current probationer, eligibility would require a VOP and a new pending charge.
Exclusions: Any individual with a record of violent crimes; a severe/persistent mental illness; medical condition which would interfere with drug court requirements.
Referral Process: The Drug Court Coordinator selects those cases for Drug Court arraignment that are appropriate based upon the arresting charge. Referrals can also come from judiciary; the defense bar; DA; and Probation Officers.

Judicial Diversion Program

Ed Gialella
Phone: (631) 853-5435

Purpose: The Judicial Diversion Program is collaboration between the Suffolk County Probation Department and County Court personnel to supply community supervision, chemical dependency treatment and case management to convicted (by plea) drug dependent felony offenders.
Criteria: Non-violent, drug dependent offenders indicted on felony drug sales or possession and other addiction driven crimes. The defendants must be willing to plead guilty and enter into a contract with the court. This contract details the mandates of the court and the agreed upon outcome of the pending charges for both successful and unsuccessful participation.
Exclusions: Any individual with a record of violent crimes; a severe/persistent mental illness; medical condition which would interfere with Judicial Diversion Program requirements.
Referral Process: Referrals are made from County Court judges where the charges have been pending. Admission into the Judicial Diversion Program is the sole decision of the presiding judge.

Mental Health Court

Ed Gialella
Phone: (631) 853-5435

Purpose: To address the treatment needs of persons with mental illnesses who enter the criminal justice system by diverting such defendants into supervised community based treatment services.
Criteria: The program accepts defendants with non-violent felonies where mental illness was a contributing factor to the crime. Some violent felonies, as well as some cases of multiple misdemeanors, may be considered on a case by case basis. The District Attorney’s office must agree to the referral to mental health court.
Exclusions: Serious violent felony offenders.
Referral Process: Cases will be identified through the Suffolk County District Court.

East End Regional Intervention Court

Charlene Mascia
Phone: (631) 852-1722, (631) 702-2963

Purpose: A drug treatment court in the Riverhead and Southampton Town Courts that uses an interdisciplinary team approach in helping substance-abusing defendants with drug-related charges develop healthy drug-free and crime-free lifestyles.
Criteria: Non-violent offender over the age of 16 with drug-related charges in the East End local courts. Must be willing to enter a guilty plea, sign a contract that details participation requirements, as well as the alternative sentence (incarceration) for voluntary termination or non-compliance.
Exclusions: DWI charge; drug charge that is proven to be more for profit than for personal drug habit; history of violent crimes; severe and persistent mental illness; medical condition that interferes with drug court requirements.
Referral Process: East End local court justices; DA or defense counsel; probation officers; family members; self-referral.

Veterans Court

Ed Gialella
Phone: (631) 853-5435

Purpose: The Suffolk County Veterans Court is a problem-solving court offering treatment under judicial supervision for veterans suffering from substance abuse and mental health problems as well as post-traumatic stress disorder. The Suffolk County Veterans Court seeks to divert eligible veteran-defendants with substance dependency and/or mental illness that are typically charged with non-violent misdemeanor or felony criminal offenses, to a specialized criminal court docket. The court substitutes a treatment model for traditional court processing. The Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center provides a resource coordinator to the court.
Criteria: A unique aspect of the Veterans Court is its willingness to help veterans suffering from substance abuse and/or mental health issues. Veterans are identified through a specialized screening of their prior criminal history, military service record and a psychological evaluation.
Exclusions:
Referral Process: Referrals can also come from judiciary; the defense bar; DA; and Probation Officers.

Suffolk County Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Court

Purpose: Suffolk County Misdemeanor DV Court’s mission statement is to improve the administration of justice in domestic violence. It accomplishes this through the following channels: immediacy to domestic violence, safety by providing information on social services and housing, holding the offender accountable for their actions, supervising each case, and sharing case information between the District Court, Family Court, law enforcement, social services, and criminal justice agencies
Criteria:
Exclusions:
Referral Process: Referrals can also come from judiciary; the defense bar; DA; and Probation Officers.

Suffolk County Integrated Domestic Violence Court

Purpose: Integrated Domestic Violence Courts use a single judge to work with criminal, family, and matrimonial cases that involve domestic violence as well. Before IDV Courts, these cases were heard in different courts with numerous judges, which resulted in a complicated structure. Having these particular cases heard under one judge is time and cost effective and enhances the safety of the victims. IDV courts have judges trained multiples areas in both law and domestic violence.
Criteria: In order to be eligible for an IDV court, there must be a criminal domestic violence case and a family court case or a matrimonial case or both. Either the witness involved or the defendant must be part of the family of the matrimonial case.
Exclusions:
Referral Process: Referrals can also come from judiciary; the defense bar; DA; and Probation Officers.

Other ATI Programs

Community Service

EAC, 60 Plant Avenue, Hauppuage, NY 11788
(631) 328-9080

Purpose: To provide a supervised program in which participants perform various positive and constructive services for towns, government agencies and not-for-profit community organizations as an alternative to incarceration or as a pre/post plea option for defendants prior to sentencing. The post plea program is contracted out by the Probation Department, while the pre-plea program is contracted by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.
Criteria: Participants referred to the adult program must be non-violent offenders who are at least 16 years of age.
Exclusions: Sex Offenders and C, B or A Felony conviction are not accepted into the Adult Program. Offenders with a charge in which a weapon was used may not be accepted into the program (dependent on the weapon and its use during the offense).
Referral Process: Judiciary, District Attorney, Defense Attorney

EAC / Suffolk TASC

Elba Garcia
Phone: (631) 853-5777

Purpose: ATI for those charged with crimes related to a substance abuse problem. Screening, assessment, treatment referrals and comprehensive case management are provided for those facing 60 days or more incarceration. Case Managers act as a liaison to the Court to update progress or lack thereof. Ancillary service referrals available (i.e. housing, educational/vocational services, etc.).
Criteria: For Substance abusing pre/post-plea jail bound offenders facing 60 days or more of incarceration; recidivist DWI offenders, 1st or 2nd felony (2nd felony with DA’s approval only); drug sale or possession; and other non-violent charges causally related to the offender’s substance abuse. Must adhere to a substance abuse treatment plan for a minimum of 1 year. Must comply with Case Management requirements (i.e. frequent and regular office visits and telephone contact, urinalysis and breathalyzer testing). Must attend all scheduled court dates and remain substance free for a minimum of 6 months prior to successful completion. Must have legal representation at time of screening and be charged in Suffolk County.
Exclusions: Current or past history of violence: severe/persistent mental illness; current or past history of arson or sex crimes.
Referral Process: Judiciary, District Attorney or Defense Counsel

Defender Based Advocacy

Phone: (631) 853-7763

Purpose: The project provides the criminal courts with individualized treatment and supervision plans for selected non-violent defendants to alleviate long-term pre/post-plea detention.
Criteria: Pre/post-plea Suffolk County Legal Aid Clients. Non-violent individuals who may be eligible for alternative sentencing other than incarceration.
Exclusions: Accused violent offender or past history of violent acts.
Referral Process: Probation; TASC; Community Service; STOP DWI.

Stop-DWI Alternative Facility

Colleen Ansanelli, L.M.S.W.
Phone: (631) 852-7101

Purpose: A Correctional Treatment program designed for jail bound multiple DWI offenders and female defendants with a drug/alcohol history. The program provides addiction treatment in a correctional setting staffed by Addiction counselors and Correctional staff. Upon completion, offenders who receive a split sentence continue on probation supervision under the direction of the Probation Addictions Treatment (DWI) unit. All others receive mandatory supervision/aftercare.
Criteria: Males: DWI conviction, including Vehicular Assault or Manslaughter as a result of DWI. Defendants must be jail/prison bound and receive split sentence. Violations of Probation (VOP’s) are accepted. Females: Charges not limited to DWI. Must be alcohol/drug involved. VOP’s accepted. Remanded/sentenced also from Drug Court, Domestic Violence Court, Family Court, and Family Treatment Court. Previous participants will be accepted dependent on when program was originally competed.
Exclusions: Actual sentenced time to be served totals less than thirty (30) days – not enough time to complete program. (Credit for time served will reduce time in program); medical/mental health needs (e.g. insulin by injection diabetics/psychotropic medications) which cannot be met in the Alternative Facility.
Referral Process: PLEASE CALL FOR BED AVAILABILITY - Referrals for screening are made at time of plea or conviction. The court will be notified of eligibility via letter attached to PSI Report. Specialized courts can contact the DWI Facility Coordinator with any questions regarding referrals and/or eligibility. We will consider defendants who do not fit criteria exactly on a case by case basis. Sources include: Suffolk County Judiciary; Attorney; Substance Abuse Treatment Program; Probation; Parole; Defender Based Advocacy (Legal Aid).

Dual Recovery Program

Phone: (631) 853-5479

Purpose: Operated at the Farmingville Mental Health Center through Suffolk County Community Mental Hygiene and Probation. The purpose is to serve those probationers who are at high risk for re-offending due to serious mental illness and co-occurring substance abuse disorders. The program follows a correctional treatment model which balances supervision with treatment for the problems that contribute to criminal behavior. Group treatment is co-led by Probation Officers and treatment professionals.
Criteria: The probationer must have a history of both mental illness and substance abuse.
Exclusions: Probationer must reside in one of the five western townships of Suffolk County or have his or her own transportation to the program.
Referral Process: Referrals made through Probation.

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100 Veterans Memorial Hwy
P.O. Box 6100
Hauppauge, NY 11788

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County Road 51
Riverhead, NY 11901
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