SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT AND EDUCATION, SELF REFLECTION A RESOURCE TO AND FOR THE COMMUNITY

The MAP Program was designed through a collaboration with the Rutland County State Attorney’s Office and Rutland County Court Diversion and Restorative Justice Center, Inc. The MAP Program is an alternative to the usual criminal justice process for persons charged with misdemeanor marijuana offenses. MAP is a completely voluntary program that allows the opportunity for a person charged to resolve the case outside of court and have the charged dismissed if they complete the program.

It is the state attorney’s discretion to refer a person to the MAP Program or to prosecute that person through the traditional court process.

MAP Requirements 

EVALUATION AND TREATMENT To complete the Marijuana Accountability and Prevention Program (MAP) participants must agree to participate in a substance abuse evaluation with a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and complete all treatment recommendations of the evaluation.

The evaluation must be scheduled within the given time period as determined by the MAP Contract.  

The treatment provider must be approved by MAP and the participant is required to inform MAP of the treatment providers name, contact information, and date of evaluation as soon as the evaluation is scheduled to allow MAP enough time to send necessary information to the treatment provider. The MAP participant is responsible for all fees associated with the evaluation and treatment.

MAP Reflection Worksheet, an exercise designed to get one thinking about their substance abuse history, where it has led them, and what changes they need to make to lead a healthier lifestyle. 

Informed Choices, a 6 hour substance abuse educational program held on a Saturday from 9:00am to 3:00pm at the Rutland Holiday Inn and Convention Centre, Rt. 7 South in Rutland. The facilitator is Barbara McLaughlin, MA (802) 775-0090, (802) 345-0265. There is a fee to participate. See registration form for more details. 

Know Your Purpose, an outdoor-based community and leadership development program designed to address one’s decision making and how it affects themselves and those around them while enhancing positive leadership skills. Some of the seminar takes place in a classroom, and part of it takes place in the outdoor environment, with an introduction to positive outdoor activities as an alternative to substance abuse.

Activities may include: hiking, mountain biking, kayaking/canoeing, rock climbing, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, etc. so participants need to dress appropriately. There is a fee to participate. See registration form for more details.

The seminar is held at the Green Mountain Rock Climbing Center (GMRCC) at 223 Woodstock Ave. The facilitator is Steve Lulek, owner of GMRCC and Vermont Adventure Tours (802) 773-3343  

Community Service and a monetary donation to the Kids to Camp fund or other substance abuse prevention program.

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION If you choose to complete the Marijuana Accountability and Prevention Program (MAP) requirements, the State’s Attorney will be notified and your marijuana charge will be dismissed. Therefore, you will not have a drug conviction on your record which could seriously jeopardize your future. 

If you choose not to participate in or, you do not successfully complete the MAP Program requirements, your case will be returned to court for prosecution, where a misdemeanor marijuana charge could cost you $1000 in fines, 6 months in jail, and a drug conviction that will affect your future.

PROGRAM FEES There is an administrative fee for first time referrals and a fee for second time referrals to participate in the MAP Program that is due on the date determined by your MAP Program Contract. The fee is not refundable if your case is returned to court. Payment must be in the form of a money order or a bank check made out to Rutland County Court Diversion.