What are DOT Assessments? Why are they important?

DOT Assessments are drug test regulated by the govt – specifically, the Department of Transportation (DOT).

In 1991, the U.S. Congress passed the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act once they recognized the necessity for a drug and alcohol-free transportation industry. The Act required DOT agencies to implement drug and alcohol testing of safety-sensitive employees to take care of the security of the travelling public and workers.

The DOT’s drug screening rules and procedures are listed within Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 40, commonly referred to as “Part 40.” An office publishes these rules within the DOT: The Office of Drug & Alcohol Policy & Compliance (ODAPC).

DOT agencies and, therefore, the U.S. Coast Guard write industry-specific regulations that specify who is subject to testing, when, and in what situations. The transportation industry drug and alcohol testing program may be a critical element of the Department of Transportation’s safety mission.

Working closely with the industry, we have, over time, seen the number of crashes and accidents linked to drug and alcohol use by safety-sensitive employees decline. Still, human risk factors remain, so there is much work to be done, and that we cannot rest until we have eliminated the damaging risk posed by illegal drug use and alcohol misuse within the transportation industries we oversee.

Safety is our highest priority, and that we are committed to making sure that transportation employees are drug and alcohol-free. Employers should confirm that employees understand the private and professional consequences of failing to comply, and supervisors must be trained to spot the signs of drug use and alcohol misuse.

Employers must even have strong drug and alcohol testing programs, and employees must be far away from safety-sensitive duties immediately if they need to violate drug and alcohol testing rules. Employees must not be returned to safety-sensitive duties until they need been referred for evaluation and have successfully complied with treatment recommendations.

What Happens in Online Family Violence Class?

Increasing cases of family violence have been a concern for the government from a long time. Major reason behind violence with family members is the inability to deal with emotions under a particular circumstance. Many people can’t control their anger and want to dominate over the other partner. American Alternative Court Services has been contributing to the society with online family violence class by educating people on ways to deal with family violence.

Procedure followed in the class

The complete family violence intervention program is designed for the duration of 24 weeks. Interactive online family violence class enables the people to recognize their anger triggering points. People can openly discuss about the problems they face.

The thought process of a person is analysed and then a few changes are suggested by the friendly counselors that may help in coping up with anger. Motive of these classes is to make people recover and take complete control over their emotions. After the successful completion of online family violence class, a person has a fair idea of how to control anger and replace it with a much healthier response.

Online Family Violence Class at AACS

If you are concerned about your own violent behaviour or any other family member, then fill the sign up form for the classes. There is also no need to go anywhere because online mode of classes is available for people. Court-approved classes are conducted separately for different genders to facilitate openness and comfort level for discussion.

Physical, mental and emotional abuse can snatch away the happiness of any family. Even the childhood of the kids gets badly affected due to awful environment at home. So, don’t let yourself and the family members suffer. Take an initiative to bring small changes by learning from online family violence class at AACS and live a happy life.

Effortless Online Out of State Evaluation by AACS

It is a serious crime to drive under the influence of alcohol or drug. This not only impacts the roadways but also affects the health of a person. Considering it as a violation of law, the individual must undergo assessment and then only he or she would be able to resume the duty. Online out of state evaluation by AACS is a program that allows the people to get the evaluation process done in a quick and convenient way.

Different states may abide by different rules and regulations. For example, if there is a driver from Georgia who has received a DUI from any other state, then he has to successfully complete DUI School, substance treatment program and clinical evaluation. The counselors are well-aware of the laws set by different states and strive to provide right evaluation report that would be accepted easily by the court and employer.

Whole procedure of assessment is quite simple. The person should book an appointment for the online out of state evaluation and submit all the documents that are given by other state. Evaluator takes a question and answers session with the accused and then gives various suggestions and programs that a person must undertake in order to go back to work.

The interview process usually takes an hour to complete, but it may extend longer if you have DUI arrest. Don’t be scared before the evaluation, as the counselors and staff at AACS is friendly and helpful. Best possible help is provided to finish the process within a limited time frame. But, it also depends on the person how he behaves in the evaluation process. If he is ready to accept the mistake and wants to improve, then the process becomes easy.

Now that you are well-versed with the pros of online out of state evaluation by AACS, just sign up the form for further process.

SAP Evaluation Stages-AACS Atlanta

DOT (Department of Transportation) requires the SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) to conduct evaluations for employees in safety-sensitive positions as regulated by (DOT). DOT has made it legitimate for all the companies to conduct the pre-employment, post-accident, random or reasonable suspicion, and return-to-duty drug and alcohol tests for the employees holding commercial driver licenses (CDLs). Our counsellors are well qualified who follow the step by step procedure needed to help you through the process of RTD (Return to Duty) as specified by DOT as against the violation of its drug and alcohol rules’.

Who needs SAP Evaluation?

  1. An employee who tests positive for drugs or alcohol.
  2. An employee who holds CDL.
  3. An employee has to obtain a substance abuse evaluation as the condition of the employment or for continued employment.

DOT-SAP Evaluation involves two steps:

  1.     The first stage SAP Evaluation involves

  • Face-to-face clinical interview and assessment.

To determine if the substance abuse problem exists or no and if it does then, what level of treatment shall be needed.

  • The further recommendation in the form of treatment for drug/ alcohol addiction or education(as determined by our SAP)
  • Continuous monitoring of the employee under the treatment process.

       2.The follow-up SAP Evaluation includes

  • Follow-up session that helps SAP Evaluation to determine successful completion of treatment and thus, provide Notice a “Notice of Compliance,” or a “Notice of Noncompliance,” depending upon the employee’s performance throughout the programme.
  • Recommendations for further education or treatment (if needed)
  • Aftercare suggestions (as deemed necessary)
  • Written report to DER (Designated Employer Representative)

If the employer is satisfied with the report, he can order the conduct of Return to Duty test which should have a negative result to get you back on board, however, if it turns out to be positive you have to undergo the assessment and follow the program repeatedly, till you are deemed fit.

SAP EVALUATION FOR CLEARING HOUSE GEORGIA-30067

The clearinghouse has been introduced as the secured online database to maintain records about the CDL(Commercial Driving Licence) drivers’ who are covered by FMCSA’s drug and alcohol program. This also includes drivers with commercial learner’s permits (CLPs).

DOT has made the clearinghouse SAP evaluation mandatory for the employees who test positive for drug or alcohol abuse. SAP is the user in the Clearinghouse who is also required to register himself on the clearinghouse. As soon as the driver is found positive he must register on the FMCSA Clearinghouse and contact SAP professional. The list of the qualified DOT SAPs may be provided by your employer so that you can fix your appointment as soon as to complete the return-to-duty process.

EVALUATION PROCESS

  • The driver registers himself on the clearinghouse where the employer then, enters the violation record on the driver’s name.
  • The driver receives a notification in the form of e-mail or text that information has been entered on his record.
  • The driver can now access the list of qualified SAPs and choose one which he wishes to.
  • Similarly, SAP receives the push-up notification from the clearinghouse mentioning the driver’s name in the form of his connection request.
  • The SAP clicks on “Accept Request” or “Deny Request” following which he can see the driver’s records if he accepts the request.
  • On the initial assessment, SAP intimates the driver about his treatment recommendation and also enters the date of the final assessment meeting.
  • SAP Evaluation, after determining that the driver has successfully complied with the treatment, enters the date of the demonstration which serves as the means for the employer who then, orders the conduct of Return to Duty test.

The result of the RTD test must be negative to get back on your duty else, you have to undergo the treatment procedure again (education or treatment) as suggested by SAP Evaluation.

Substance Abuse Professional Evaluation at AACS

SAP, Substance Abuse Professional is a certified person who is accountable for conducting the drug and alcohol assessment. Addition is a major problem in United States and this problem witnessed an increase during the pandemic. Stress and anxiety became the reason of this increase. Person driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drug poses direct threat to safety of people. Taking assistance from substance abuse professional can solve this issue in an effective way.

Complete process of SAP evaluation starts with a personal interview. After looking at the medical history and drug test report, the counselor asks several questions about the personal life, social life and lifestyle of the addicted person. They try to analyze the reasons behind the problem and also enquire from friends and family members about the person.

There is nothing to worry about the evaluation as SAP; substance abuse professionals are there to help you in best possible way. A proper treatment plan is prepared by the experienced SAP to ensure that the problem of addiction is gone permanently. There are cases where the person again starts taking drug and alcohol after taking the treatment. SAP keeps in touch with the person to monitor the condition even after the treatment is done.

If your employer or court has ordered you to take the evaluation, then it is imperative to take the sessions regularly. Permission to return back to work will not be granted to the employee who has not followed the treatment plan.

To get a valid review report, you must get the evaluation done from an authentic place. American Alternative Court Services has 25 years of experience in providing outpatient addiction counseling and addiction counseling to people in Atlanta. A team of doctors, SAP substance abuse professional and psychotherapists works together in order to eradicate the difficulty of substance abuse from the society. Fill the signup form to get the evaluation done in a convenient manner.

Importance of DOT Assessments

DOT assessments are recommended by the Department of Transportation for people who have been charged of consuming alcohol and drugs during duty hours. This assessment is very essential for individuals working in transportation industry. Violation of rules and concern for public safety makes this assessment mandatory for employees. A person can return back to work only after successfully completing the DOT assessment and counseling sessions with substance abuse professionals.

The evaluation for drugs and alcohol is crucial for truck drivers, ship captains, train engineers, pilots and so on. When employees related to these occupations want to return-to duty or have done any accident, then they are supposed to have DOT assessments for the employer or court. Report of such evaluation is an important document if you have any case running in the court. It can be helpful in minimizing the duration of sentence.

If you have been accused of reckless driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, then you must get the assessment done from a reliable center. The American Alternative Court Services has a team of expert counselors and substance abuse professionals who ensure that an extensive and personalised plan is designed for every patient.

Right from physiological and psychological tests are conducted by the professionals to evaluate the present condition, behavior pattern and severity of addiction. After this, comprehensive sessions and interviews are conducted for the patients by the counselors. When the person is able to follow the plan and recover from the addiction, he or she gets a green signal to return back to duty.

Whether you are an employer or a person who is willing to undergo DOT assessments, then don’t forget to contact AACS. Just sign up the form and get the procedure done without facing any trouble. Staff and counselors help in the evaluation with a friendly approach. Best possible treatment plan is prescribed to live a healthy and happy life.

Online Family Violence Class By AACS Atlanta

The word ‘family violence’ is not just restricted to physical abuse. It also includes emotional, sexual and economical harm. This situation arises when a person tries to control the behaviour and actions of other people in the family. Threats, violence and fear make it difficult for the victim to survive and live a free life. If the abnormal mentality of any person does not get proper attention and treatment on time, it may lead to severe situations like murder and suicide. The online family violence class from AACS helps people to become normal and leave the tendency of harming others.

If you feel that you or any other family member needs counseling related to family violence, then AACS 24-week online family violence class can do wonders. Approved by the court, this program has shown wonderful results in terms of behavior transformation.

This online program helps the people to discuss and open up about their trigger points that lead to anger and aggression. Sometimes people don’t know how to react in a particular situation and they start showing abnormal reactions such as anger and violence. In this particular program, people are suggested some better ways to handle the anger and respond in any situation.

Behaviour of any person does not change overnight. It requires lots of patience. Online family violence class lets the person understand the more healthy way of responding by demonstrating through case studies and different scenarios.

Family is a happy place and there should not be any space for violence. Especially kids who witness the violence can experience trauma and develop some fears for lifetime. Counselors at AACS try their best to bring a change via online family violence class. Separate classes for different genders and participants are allowed to express their perception and discuss their trigger points. So, fill the form for classes and experience a good change in the family.

DUI Out of State Evaluation at AACS

DUI online out of state evaluation is necessary for individuals who are charged with driving under influence outside Georgia. This may be a complicated procedure because every state has its own laws related to substance abuse. In some states, it is also referred to as Driving While Impaired. Because the person is charged by the officials of other state, proper evaluation is ordered by the court and employer. Being connected with public safety, all the aspects must be analysed before allowing the person to drive again.

The online out of state evaluation is done by the professional counselors at American Alternative Court Services in a hassle-free manner. Patient needs to book an appointment with AACS and submit all the documents that are given by other state and Department of Driver’s Services.

This evaluation is done to understand the behavior of the driver towards the substance abuse. A complete report is prepared after a thorough session with the individual to determine whether he or she can pursue driving or not. Though the duration of the session is approximately one hour but in certain cases, when the person has more than one DUI arrest, a lengthy session can be expected.

Facility of online evaluation has made it easy for the people to get the assessment done without visiting the center. It also makes the procedure faster. The reports and evaluation by AACS is carried out by verified and experienced staff. Consultation and interview session with the counselors would be considered as the base for further treatment. AACS understands the problems that can arise in out of state evaluations, so careful assessment of the accused is done and that too in a limited time to facilitate next process.

So, sign up the form at AACS for online out of state evaluation and make it easy for you to get back to work.

DUI Intervention Program by AACS

Driving under influence of alcohol and drug can be a serious threat to public safety. A person who is charged of DUI has to undergo an assessment in order to return back to duty. Without the successful completion of the evaluation and treatment, the person cannot drive according to the department of transportation. AACS provides DUI intervention classes to the people who have been charged of driving after substance abuse. Certified by Georgia Department of Driver’s Services, the classes can be very helpful for the addicts.

The complete procedure of enrolling in the DUI intervention program starts by completing an assessment. Different questions are asked in the assessment to determine the actual condition of a person. The severity of addiction, social life, behaviour and various other details are collected through this assessment. $100 are charged for completing the assessment at AACS and payment can be done online easily through various options. Payment is done through a secured gateway.

Being a student of DUI intervention program, you are supposed to attend the classes on time and regularly. Classes are organised on both weekdays and weekends. The student is required to be punctual for the course. Any kind of carelessness would result in repeating the course again.

Duration of the complete DUI intervention course is 20 hours. Various classroom sessions are conducted to educate people about the harmful effects of substance abuse. Driving after taking certain medication may also be considered as DUI. $260 is the fees of this risk reduction course that is essential for accused to attend according to Georgia State Law.

If your employer or court has asked you to attend a DUI intervention program, then without any hesitation, contact American Alternative Court Services. The counselors and staff at AACS help in treating and recovering the addiction problem in the patients in a friendly manner.