UDecide is now available through an online format. Participating youth must attend a live, virtual two-session course totaling 4 hours. Classes will be held monthly. Parents are encouraged to watch a prerecorded information session.
The UDecide Program (UDP), formerly known as the Underage Drinking Program, is an educational program for young adults who have experienced trouble at school or home or have legal problems as a result of alcohol use. UDP is provided to Berks County residents by the Council on Chemical Abuse (COCA) and is a two-session program, totaling 4 hours. It is not a treatment program. Rather, it is an opportunity for young adults to learn the facts about alcohol.
UDecide sessions will be offered on the third Monday & Tuesday of each month. (Holidays and other events may impact this schedule.)
If you have questions or concerns please contact the program coordinator at (610) 685-4490 or email at udp@cocaberks.org
A $100 non-refundable service fee must be submitted before the participant is eligible to schedule his/her sessions.
Pay NowReferrals are accepted from Magisterial District Justices, Youth Aid Panels, SAP Teams, school officials, and parents/guardians in Berks Co.
Referral FormTo watch the 20-minute parent video, please click the link below to fill out a short questionnaire. When you submit the questionnaire you will be taken to the video.
Get Video“This class really helped me think about how alcohol affects me. Now I feel like I am taking these issues more seriously”- Past UDP Participant
UDP is facilitated by experienced professionals utilizing an evidence-informed curriculum to help foster behavioral change, and reduce the likelihood of future problems. Young adults must attend all assigned sessions. Participants MUST BE REGISTERED for a class in order to attend and get credit.
Participants who are referred to the program due to legal issues, may, upon successful completion, have their penalty lessened, at the discretion of the Magisterial District Judge and Community Youth Aid Panel. For those referred by a school Student Assistance Program (SAP), UDecide may be an alternative to disciplinary action.
UDecide is currently being taught virtually on Zoom To participate, youth must attend a live, virtual two-session course totaling 4 hours.
UDP topics include:
REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE UDECIDE PROGRAM
If the participant fails to complete the UDecide Program, he/she understands that the Court may consider this to be a willful refusal to comply with the sentence. The Court may then impose the sentence as provided by law which may include a Fine not in excess of $500.00, plus Court Costs, Restitution (if applicable), and the possibility of jail time to be determined by the Magisterial District Judge.
Parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to watch a pre-recorded information session that gives an overview of the topics covered in the youth sessions. Parents/guardians are also offered intervention information and support and assume an active role in assisting youth with any alcohol or drug problem.
Currently, all sessions are being offered virtually on Zoom.
Referrals to the UDecide Program are accepted from Magisterial District Justices and Youth Aid Panels, as well as, SAP Teams, school officials, and parents/guardians in Berks County, PA.
The best way to make a referral is to fill out a Udecide Referral Form. Referrals can also be made by calling the Program Coordinator.