Court-Ordered Programs

Driver Education Class (DEC-8)

The DEC-8 class is designed for individuals between the ages of 18 and 21 who have been charged with Underage OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) and recorded a Blood Alcohol Concentration (B.A.C.) below 0.08.

This one-day educational program focuses on increasing awareness about the dangers of alcohol and drug use, their impact on driving, the human body, and the risks of chemical dependency. It’s an important step in helping participants make safer, healthier choices moving forward.

Cost: $100 (payable by money order or cashier’s check only; personal checks are not accepted)
Schedule: Offered four times per year on Thursdays from 8:30am to 5:00pm
Location: 143 Gougler Avenue, Kent, Ohio 44240

To register for the DEC-8 class or to ask any questions, please contact us at: AxessPointe Community Health Center (330) 677–4124.

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Think About Your Future

Diversion Program for Underage Alcohol Offenses

Think About Your Future is a court-ordered diversion program designed for young adults ages 18–20 who have received an underage alcohol charge in Portage County. Instead of a traditional conviction, eligible individuals are referred to a structured, rehabilitative program that promotes responsibility, education, and self-awareness—empowering participants to make healthier choices and avoid future offenses.

Program Components

Participants must complete the following core components:

Individual Substance Use Assessment
A one-hour clinical assessment conducted by a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC). This confidential evaluation uses validated tools such as the SASSI, MAST, and APRA, along with a structured interview aligned with DSM criteria, to understand the participant's alcohol use and assess potential risk factors or substance dependency.
Alcohol Education Session
A two-hour educational session, held monthly, focusing on the impact of alcohol use. Topics include the physical, psychological, social, legal, and economic consequences of underage drinking. Sessions are led by professionals in health, human services, legal, and recovery fields.
Community Work Service (CWS)
Completion of 16–24 hours of community service is required. This portion is monitored by the Portage County Adult Probation Department. Axess Family Services also offers placement options through local social service sites.
Drug Screening
1. First drug screen: Conducted during the initial assessment.
2. Second drug screen: Administered after completing the educational and community service components.
Exit Interview
A brief, 15-minute individual exit interview is conducted after all other components are complete to evaluate progress and provide closure.

Program Timeline & Expectations

Why This Program Matters

Despite the efforts of schools and community organizations, underage drinking among 18–20-year-olds remains a serious public health and legal issue in Portage County. Traditional punitive measures often fail to help young adults change their behavior or avoid reoffending.

The Think About Your Future program offers a constructive and educational alternative—providing young adults with the tools and insights they need to make informed, healthy decisions. It's an opportunity to take responsibility without being defined by a single mistake.

Program Fees

Program Schedule & Location

Referral & Reporting Process

For more information or to refer a client to the Think About Your Future Diversion Program, please contact us at (330) 677–4124.

BIC-60 Program

The BIC-60 Program is a court-ordered alternative designed solely for first-time offenders charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession, drug paraphernalia, or first-time cannabis use. The program provides education and accountability while giving participants the opportunity to avoid a permanent criminal record.

Program Requirements:

Complete a substance abuse evaluation and first urine drug screen at Axess Family Services ($125 fee).
Attend a two-hour, small-group drug education class.
Complete an exit counseling session and second urine drug screen with negative results.
Pay all court costs.

If all requirements are successfully completed and no new offenses occur, the charge will be dismissed and participants may be eligible for expungement. If requirements are not met, the case will be scheduled for a status hearing before the referring judge.

Important: Participants must notify the Clerk’s Office in writing of any address change during the 60-day program period.

To register for the BIC-60 class or to ask any questions, please contact us at: AxessPointe Community Health Center at (330) 677-4124.

Address: 143 Gougler Avenue, Kent, Ohio 44301

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Driver Intervention Program

AxessPointe Community Health Center offers a court-ordered Driver Intervention Program as a 72-hour alternative to the mandatory three-day jail term for first-time offenders convicted of Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI) by drugs or alcohol.

The weekend program, held at a local hotel, provides psychoeducation on the effects of drugs and alcohol, Ohio OVI laws, stages of addiction, the consequences of chemical dependency on families and communities, and recovery alternatives. Participants are screened for past and current drug and alcohol use and may receive a referral for a complete alcohol and other drug assessment.

The program is certified by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OMHAS) and is offered monthly, including quarterly women’s-only sessions. Interactive sessions are led by experienced facilitators to increase awareness, promote responsible decision-making, and reduce the likelihood of future offenses. Completion of the program may satisfy court requirements while supporting long-term recovery and safe driving behaviors.

For more information or to register for a class, call AxessPointe Community Health Center at (330) 677–4124.