SATOP

Substance Awareness Traffic Offenders Program (SATOP)

The Missouri Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Programs (SATOP) provides or arranges for assessment, screening, education and rehabilitation. SATOP is a nationwide system of comprehensive, accessible, community-based education and treatment designed for individuals arrested for alcohol and drug–related offenses. The SATOP program offers a variety of programs to include:

Assessment

The assessment screening consists of a Department of Revenue driving record review, a standardized computer-based questionnaire, and an individualized interview with a qualified substance awareness professional. Required by every offender as the first step in determining which program is the most appropriate. It includes DRI-II, John Hopkins, MAST and interview with a counselor. Cost: $375.00 ($249.00 supplemental fee DBH and $126.00 provider fee)

Offender Management Unit (OMU)
All DWI offenders are required by law to undergo an individualized assessment screening. This is the primary service of the OMU and is available at nearly 200 locations. The assessment screening consists of a Department of Revenue driving record review, a standardized computer-based questionnaire, and an individualized interview with a qualified substance awareness professional.

Offender Education Program (OEP)
A 10-hour education course designed primarily for lower risk, first-time offenders in understanding the choices they made that led to their intoxication and arrest. Education is the key to helping first-time offenders take responsibility for their actions. Cost for all participants is $200.00.

Weekend Intervention Program (WIP)
A level of service designed primarily for repeat offenders or “high risk” first-time offenders using intensive education and counseling intervention methods throughout a marathon weekend (48 continuous hours) of structured activities. Activities are designed to encourage offenders to confront their harmful behavior and take responsibility for their lives. All meals and lodging are taken care of through the cost of the program. If you can prove you are a Missouri resident, income and the number of persons you claim as dependents, you may qualify for state reimbursable services to the provider on your behalf. YOU MUST PROVIDE THESE PROOFS OR PAY FULL FEE of $467.45; MIN: $250.00 (ALL OUT-OF-STATE MUST PAY FULL FEE)

Clinical Intervention Program (CIP)
A level of outpatient treatment service consisting of intensive outpatient counseling based on the needs of the persistent or “high risk” offender. Each offender participates in 50 total hours of treatment activity consisting of 10 hours of individual counseling, 20 hours of group counseling, and 20 hours of group education at a certified treatment facility. Ten (10) hours of the required 50 hours must specifically address DWI/DUI issues and is designated to be completed within six (6) weeks. Class time and individual sessions may be discussed to provide access and convenience for participants work schedules. If you can prove you are a Missouri resident, income and the number of persons you claim as dependents, you may qualify for state reimbursable services to the provider on your behalf. YOU MUST PROVIDE THESE PROOFS OR PAY FULL FEE of $1,067.42; MIN: $250.00 (ALL OUT-OF-STATE MUST PAY FULL FEE)

Serious and Repeat Offender Program (SROP)
A level of outpatient treatment service consisting of intensive outpatient counseling based on the needs of the persistent or “high risk” offender. Each offender participates in at least 75 hours of treatment in no less than 90 days. Services must include a minimum of 35 hours of individual and/or group counseling. Successful completion of the treatment is left to the discretion of the program’s clinical staff based on the specific needs of the person(s)-served. If you can prove you are a Missouri resident, income and the number of persons you claim as dependents, you may qualify for state reimbursable services to the provider on your behalf. YOU MUST PROVIDE THESE PROOFS OR PAY FULL FEE of $1500.00; MIN: $250.00 (ALL OUT-OF-STATE MUST PAY FULL FEE)

For more information contact the SATOP Administrator at 573-359-0955

Missouri Department of Mental Health Division of Behavioral Health SATOP Fact Sheet

The Substance Awareness Traffic Offenders’ Program is Missouri’s education and intervention program for drinking drivers. It was established by the Missouri legislature in 1993 as an expansion of an earlier program which consisted of a simple 10-hour education program for drinking drivers. SATOP is administered by the Missouri Departments of Mental Health's Division of Behavioral Health and includes substantial interagency effort by the Missouri Department of Revenue.

The Costs

The costs of the program are borne by DWI offenders and includes a $126 assessment screening fee and a $249 supplemental fee, which is deposited into the Mental Health Earnings Fund. This fund is used by the Department of Mental Health to purchase intervention services for persistent and repeat DWI offenders. A network of nearly 60 agencies with about 200 sites provides various levels and types of services locally. The Division of Behavioral Health provides training for staff and sets minimum standards for program operations. Only agencies certified by the division as meeting the standards may participate in the system. DWI offenders are required to complete this program for reinstatement of their driving privileges. Loss of driving privileges may have resulted from administrative revocation procedures by the Department of Revenue or from an alcohol-related driving conviction in court.

Where do I go to do SATOP?

SATOP programs can be completed at any state certified SATOP agency. (consult OMU listing ).

I received a recommendation to do a program, but can’t/don’t believe that I really have a problem. What are my options—do I have to do what they say?

You may obtain a second opinion by completing another assessment screening at a different Offender Management Unit at a cost of $126 (the $249.00 supplemental fee does not have to be paid for a second opinion, provided that documentation of the first assessment screening is provided). Once you receive the second opinion, that recommendation then becomes the one you must complete. The other option is to obtain a judicial review. You may file a motion in the associate division of the circuit court for a judge to review the recommendation of the Offender Management Unit. The judge will make a decision as to whether the recommendation is justified. Appropriate forms are available from the Office of State Courts Administrator (573-751-4377).

I need to get my license back right away (or if I don't do SATOP before Monday, the judge is going to put me in jail). Where are there classes this weekend?

With approximately 60 certified agencies providing services in almost 200 locations, it would be impossible to keep a schedule of who is doing what and when. Please check the OMU Listing and contact the agencies listed in your area for available programs (many agencies list their program schedules on their web sites).

I have a drinking problem and I can't wait to get into a SATOP. Where can I get help? Will it count for SATOP?

You can contact the Division of Behavioral Health district offices or utilize the treatment services locator. The completion of a treatment may be comparable to SATOP if it meets the requirements as stated in