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    • UDecide

    COVID-19 Update

    UDecide is now available through an online format. To participate, 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.

    2021 UDP Schedule

    UDecide sessions will be offered on the third Monday & Tuesday of each month in 2021. (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


    Make a Payment

    A $100 non-refundable service fee must be submitted before the participant is eligible to schedule his/her sessions.

    Pay Now
    Make a Referral

    Referrals are accepted from Magisterial District Justices, Youth Aid Panels, SAP Teams, school officials, and parents/guardians in Berks Co.

    Referral Form
    Watch Parent Video

    To 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

    Quote

    “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

    About UDP

    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.

     

     


    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is taught in UDP sessions?

    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:

    • Factual and legal information about alcohol
    • How to change attitudes and beliefs
    • Planning healthy alternatives
    • Healthy decision making and refusal skills
    • The disease of substance use disorder and how it affects the brain

    What is required of participants?

    REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE UDECIDE PROGRAM

    1. The participant shall complete four hours of drug and alcohol education in compliance with the requirements listed below. A non-refundable $100.00 service fee must be submitted before the participant is eligible to schedule his/her classes. Payment must be made online at https://cocaberks.org/program/udecide/
    2. Sessions will be held on a virtual platform (zoom). A current and correct email address is required to receive the class link. Attendance and promptness to all educational classes is mandatory. No unexcused absence or tardiness will be allowed during the course. Any unexcused absence or tardiness may result in termination from the program.
    3. Participants must be fully engaged in virtual sessions. Video camera must be on and participant must be attentive to the session. The Program Instructor has the option to dismiss any participant he/she perceives to be distracted or disengaged in the session.
    4. Parent(s)/guardian(s) are encouraged to view the Parent Session video.
    5. No alcohol or drug use will be permitted during involvement with the UDecide Program. The Program Instructor reserves the right to request a urine sample and/or breath test from the participant. Any positive results or a refusal to submit to a test could result in the participant being discharged from the program and/or require a drug and alcohol evaluation.
    6. The Program Instructor has the option to dismiss any participant he/she perceives to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and/or disruptive in class.
    7. Participants must complete pre/post and survey evaluation to successfully complete the 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.

    What is required of parents/guardians?

    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.

    Where are sessions held?

    Currently, all sessions are being offered virtually on Zoom.

    How Do I Make a Referral to UDP?

    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.

     

    CONTACT the Program Coordinator

    Phone (610) 685-4490
    Fax (610) 376-8423
    Email: udp@cocaberks.org