Letters of interest are sought from institutions desiring to become national demonstration sites for the implementation of Back on TRAC, a clinically-based, judicial affairs intervention for substance abusing students who have violated their school's alcohol and other drug (AOD) policies.

Back on TRAC (BOT) is based on the drug court model, a widely praised innovation in the US justice system, which has helped substance abusing offenders get back on the right track.  Piloted at Colorado State University (CSU), BOT is about giving students a second chance, with structured support and accountability.  Key program elements include:

• Screening and assessment
• Individually tailored counseling program
• Clinical and ancillary supports (e.g., learning assistance, MH consultation)
• A system of accountability, with:
• Random AOD tests
• Case management oversight and support
• Regular team meetings for case review and planning
• Mandatory weekly hearings to review student progress

Chosen applicants will receive free training that will include (a) a 4-day expense paid team training event to be held in early 2007 at CSU and (b) periodic on-site technical assistance at the applicant's institution.  The two-stage selection process begins with the submission of a "letter of interest" (LOI) from an authorized college official.  Based upon review of the LOI, application kits will be sent to schools demonstrating the need, motivation, and potential to successfully complete the application process.

The LOI (< than 500 words) should:

1. offer evidence that AOD abuse is a problem the institution needs to better confront;
2. describe why BOT could be a useful adjunct to the institution's current AOD prevention or intervention scheme; and
3. address the likelihood that the institution could obtain a multi-disciplinary commitment from the  following offices:  judicial affairs, counseling center, health center, residence life, and campus police.

More detail about BOT and the application process can be found at www.judges.org/BackonTRAC   

LOIs must be sent electronically by July 10, 2006 to:

Randy Monchick
Director, Back on TRAC
mmonchick@earthlink.net

Back on TRAC is sponsored by The National Judicial College in conjunction with the National Drug Court Institute.  Financial support for this initiative has been provided by The Century Council, an independent not-for-profit organization funded by a consortium of major US alcohol distillers.