Since 1990, Treatment Alternatives for Safer Communities (TASC) of Orange County has been serving people with substance use disorders who are facing felony charges in Orange County Court.  TASC is an alternative to incarceration program.  The services are utilized at the post-plea, pre-sentencing level. TASC works with the criminal justice system to obtain referrals and support recommendations aimed at engaging and retaining clients in substance abuse treatment, thereby reducing recidivism and promoting community safety.

If the person meets the eligibility criteria, a TASC case manager will advocate in Court for treatment as an alternative to incarceration, as Court approval is discretionary for eligible applicants.  If the judge gives the approval, the case manager will do an in-depth assessment to determine what the appropriate treatment recommendation would be.  That recommendation is given at the next court appearance and the referral process begins.  Throughout the treatment process the TASC case manager will get progress updates which are then given to the Court, defense council, District Attorney and Probation (if appropriate). The goal is for the individual to successfully complete all treatment programs, including indicated aftercare, avoid a sentence of incarceration and to move on with their lives in a healthy, productive and positive manner.

• The offender is currently charged with a non-violent B Felony or lesser non-violent felony offense in the Orange County Court and is eligible for first felony offender sentencing OR the offender is currently charged with a Violation of Probation by the Orange County Department of Probation. 
• An applicant MUST be a legal resident of Orange County due to funding purposes.
• The offender is at least 16 years old and under the jurisdiction of the adult court. 
• The offender can be diagnosed with a substance use disorder.
• An offender with a significant violent background (as determined by prior charges or documented behavior) will be considered ineligible for TASC services. 
• An offender charged with any sex offense or arson presently or has been convicted in the past of such charges will be considered ineligible for TASC.