Youth Substance Awareness Safety Program (YSASP)

Lowering the risk of using alcohol and cannabis

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  • Provides an alternative to the civil court process for youth who violate Vermont’s underage alcohol, cannabis, or buprenorphine laws.
  • Helps young people to understand the impact on themselves and others of using substances and to lower their risk of future use.
  • Connects youth using at high-risk levels to professional substance use clinicians.
  • Most youth complete the program after a brief educational process.
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"This ticket was my rock bottom. It’s sad it had to get to this point for me to open my eyes, but at least now I’ve got the help and education I need. I can now get my life back on track."

— Program Participant

Vermont Youth Substance Awareness Safety ProgramStaff understand that young people often experiment with substances for different reasons and may face peer pressure. Staff work with youth and parents to develop a plan that is achievable and meets individual and developmentally appropriate needs.

Youth who participate in YSASP:

  • Complete a questionnaire about their substance use.
  • Meet with case manager about the impact of the initial incident and discuss how to lower the risks of using substances
  • May meet with a licensed substance use clinician if needed.
  • Pay a fee.
  • Avoid driver license suspension and $300 fine.

A parent/guardian must accompany youth who are under age 18.

Vermont law directs police officers to refer youth, aged 16 to 20, to YSASP. It is a civil violation for youth of these ages to possess or consume alcohol or cannabis, or to misrepresent their age to buy these substances.

Vermont governing laws:
7 V.S.A. § 656
18 V.S.A. § 4230b
18 V.S.A. § 4230b

To learn more about YSASP, find and contact your county program.