What is the Change Direction Program?

Program Description

Change Direction is a 3 hour class designed to assist people to make better choices regarding alcohol, tobacco and other drug use/non-use based on a personal set of guidelines that do not result in health, social, legal or personal problems. The participant's fee is $60. The Parent Component class fee is $75.00

The program is based on these assumptions:

People involved in this program should be treated with honesty and respect.
People want and need accurate and current information about alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, intoxication, and the risks involved in use.
People are better able to make legal, safe, and appropriate decisions about use or nonuse if they know information about alcohol, tobacco and other drug use risks and consequences.
The consequences of a required education experience for violating a rule/law creates an excellent opportunity to provide honest, accurate, and persuasive information about the risks of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use.

The Change Direction program began in 1976 as an educational alternative for minimum marijuana violators. In 1982, the legislature expanded the program to include juvenile alcohol and marijuana offenders. Through the years, the program has further expanded to include minor alcohol and tobacco purchase and possession violators.