Welcome to the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs
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Offices

The Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs is organized into five divisions and eight offices.  The Department does not have any boards or commissions.

Project Management Office

The Project Management Office (PMO) is a service unit that provides assistance and support to project managers, executive staff and project team members to successfully define and complete both business and technology projects.  The PMO provides a practicable project management approach using processes and tools tailored to match how ADP conducts business.  This flexible framework aids executives and other project participants with project status, progress, and budget tracking data.

The PMO processes and tools are based on the Project Management Institute (PMI) principles.  Since its introduction, the PMO has assisted the department with over 35 projects.  Notable PMO assistance activities in 2006 include two critical Office of Criminal Justice Collaboration efforts, the 2006-2008 Strategic Plan, and a time sensitive project to establish the ADP Performance Management Branch.

Information Security Officer

The Information Security Officer (ISO) oversees agency compliance with policies and procedures regarding the security of ADP’s information assets.  State Administrative Manual (SAM), Section 4841.1 requires that every agency have an ISO.  The ADP ISO reports to the Chief Information Officer and has oversight responsibility for ensuring the integrity and security of ADP information assets, systems, and network.  Other responsibilities of the ISO include:

  • Provide direction for executive management regarding issues concerning   information security and it’s impact on ADP;
  • Coordinate the development and implementation of the Operational Recovery Plan (ORP) and ensure annual updates and biannual testing is completed;
  • Perform ongoing risk analysis and develop and maintain a risk management program required by SAM 4842.2;
  • Train employees in information security awareness, practices and policies;
  • Assist in the classification of ADP information assets;
  • Serve on the change control board to review changes to information technology assets;
  • Ensure the Department adheres to annual Reporting requirements (ORP, security incidents, etc)
  • Analyze new and existing legislation (as it pertains to information technology) to determine impact on ADP information security and develop plan to comply;

The ISO is also the designated security official responsible for the development and implementation of the policies and procedures required by the HIPAA Security Rule.

Executive Office

The Director of the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP) is appointed by the Governor and is responsible for leading the State’s prevention, treatment, and recovery programs. The Director oversees 335 department staff and an annual budget of $679.9 million. ADP’s vision is to have healthy individuals and communities free of alcohol and other drug problems. ADP certifies and licenses alcohol and other drug programs to ensure the health and safety of clients receiving treatment. ADP provides funding for the development of drug courts in California and distributes funds to counties to implement Proposition 36. ADP also administers funding to counties who provide treatment and prevention services to the residents of their communities. ADP addresses problem gambling through initiatives by the Office of Problem Gambling.

Renée Zito was appointed Director of the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on February 22, 2007. Renée has extensive background in the treatment field. She previously served as the Director of Programs at Marin Services for Women, Executive Director of Hazelden Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Center in New York, Director of Treatment at Smithers Alcoholism Rehabilitation Center of the St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital Center and taught at the New York State Academy of Addiction Studies. Renée received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fordham University and a Master’s Degree in social work from Hunter College.

As Chief Deputy Director, Michael Cunningham is responsible for the operational management of ADP’s programs and services. Michael has more than 30 years of experience managing, directing and consulting with agencies regarding alcohol and other drug prevention and treatment programs. He previously served as Deputy Director of the Program Services Division at ADP. Prior to that, he co–founded MB&F, a health and human services management consulting company, and worked for Circle Solutions, Inc., a public health and human services consulting company, from 1987 through 2000. Michael has published numerous resource manuals and training curricula for the prevention field. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from California State University, Los Angeles and Master of Arts in government from Claremont Graduate University.

Office of Applied Research and Analysis

The mission of the Office of Applied Research and Analysis (OARA) is to direct, conduct, and support applied research and evaluation, quantitative estimates and forecasts, and dissemination of alcohol and other drug information to the Department, control agencies, other government, and public stakeholders.  OARA pursues this mission through its science-based research expertise and active partnerships with program divisions within the Department.

OARA supports Proposition 36, Drug Courts, Adolescent and Perinatal treatment services, CalOMS, Licensing and Certification, Performance Management, and Prevention programs, among others, within ADP.  Staff also provides research and analytical support outside ADP to stakeholder and other government groups.

In addition to the fundamental responsibility to the Department for OARA to provide demographic statistics and summary analytical information to the public, other state government agencies, and research institutions on alcohol and other drug use, treatment, and prevention, OARA is actively involved in the following activities that support high-priority ADP initiatives:

  • Provide science-based recommendations, research and analytical services to the ADP Directorate and executive team on issues related to alcohol and other drug treatment and prevention policy development;
  • Collaborate with Data Management to ensure quality and integrity of CalOMS and the Drug Abuse Treatment Access Report (DATAR);
  • Analyze a variety of program and administrative data using geographic information software (GIS) and production of geographic maps using GIS and other software that show alcohol and other drug treatment trends and outcomes;
  • Review, approve, and oversee contracted research and program evaluations (e.g., Drug Court Partnership Act of 2002 Outcome Evaluation, Comprehensive Drug Court Implementation Act, Long-term Evaluation of the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act [SACPA] of 2000, Annual Evaluation Report to Legislature on SACPA, Substance Abuse Research Consortium [SARC] contract, State Incentive Grant [SIG]);
  • Produce the California Indicators of Alcohol and Drug Abuse analysis of predictors of alcohol and other drug abuse;
  • Maintain data to meet the requirements SB 1695, Chapter 678 (Escutia), Statutes of 2002 – a cumulative 5-year annualized report of overdose deaths caused by alcohol and other drugs;
  • Partner with the California Attorney’s General Office to conduct the mandated biennial California Student Survey (CSS) and Healthy Kids Survey (HKS);
  • Provide leadership, policy advice, training assistance, and general technical support regarding data requirements to IMSD technical staff and program divisions within ADP.

Office of Grants Management

The mission of the Office of Grants Management (OGM) is to ensure the appropriate administration of federal formula and discretionary funds within the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs.  The OGM is responsible for:

  • The preparation and submission of the annual Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant application;
  • Developing, maintaining, and modifying written policies, processes and procedures to ensure compliance with requirements governing federal grants administered by the Department;
  • Providing specific information and guidance to the Department’s program divisions regarding federal grant requirements and compliance;
  • Resolving Audit Issues with the Federal Government;
  • Ensuring the Department receives the amount which it is entitled to under the SAPT Block Grant formula;
  • Developing and maintaining the “Grants Funding Opportunities” web-page for use by third parties in identifying public and private funding for substance abuse services; and
  • Identifying, tracking and analyzing of federal appropriations legislation;  and
  • Coordinating federal site visits/core reviews to ADP that involves more than one division.

Office of Legal Services

As a part of ADP’s management team, the Office of Legal Services works to achieve ADP’s vision, mission and goals in ways that are effective, lawful, and ethical.  This is accomplished through these major work areas:

  • Providing legal advice to the Director and Chief Deputy Director in all areas of concern to them in their leadership of ADP
  • Participating as a full member of ADP’s Executive Staff
  • Providing legal advice to ADP management and staff to support their work
  • Identifying legal issues, problems and solutions, proactively whenever possible
  • Managing ADP’s rulemaking activity
  • Representing ADP in negotiations and other communications with other government agencies and offices, persons with whom ADP does business, stakeholders and the public, and advising management and staff in their communications work
  • Participating in all phases of ADP’s contracting work, to maximize desired results and minimize risk to ADP
  • Participating in work groups, task forces and other ad hoc teams, to maximize desired results and minimize risk to ADP
  • Participating in ADP’s legislative work, to achieve maximum alignment between ADP’s vision and mission and the laws governing ADP
  • Identifying and elevating conflicts in policy, strategy or approach between ADP work units, so the conflicts can be resolved
  • Representing ADP in litigation, administrative hearings and related activities
  • Supervising ADP’s outside counsel.

Office of Legislative and External Affairs

The Office of Legislative and External Affairs is responsible for:
  • Tracking federal and state legislation that is of interest to the Department and the AOD field as a whole;
  • Working with the Program Staff and the Budget Office on coordinating the analysis of proposed state and federal legislation to ensure that the Executive Team is fully briefed on all bills that impact the Department;
  • Oversight of all legislative activities associated with budget hearings;
  • Representing the Department and the Administration's philosophies and policies when testifying before legislative policy and fiscal committees;
  • The Director's Advisory Committee (DAC), including its eight constituent committees;
  • Responding to inquiries from the Legislature, the public and other interested parties;
  • Providing staff support to the California Methamphetamine Initiative (CMI), a statewide project to assist communities in combating methamphetamine abuse.  This office will manage the contract for a multimedia public education campaign; staff the Governor-appointed Council on the Prevention of Methamphetamine Use; and act as a liaison between the Executive team and community leaders. 
  • Coordinating the response to emerging issues in alcohol and drug prevention and treatment. 
  • Maintaining communication with Indian Health Clinics, Tribes and Native American entities about alcohol and other drug prevention, intervention and treatment issues.
  • Working with California's Native American tribes, tribal entities, and government agencies to identify new resources and relationships; and 
  • Expanding AOD and Program Gambling services to Native Americans with special emphasis on service capacity and technical and cultural competence.

Communications Office

Communications is responsible for developing and placing ADP’s key messages before such stakeholders as the general public, media, county alcohol and drug administrators and treatment providers.  The office responds to requests for information from the public, press, agency and stakeholders.  A key component of the Department’s strategic plan is that Californians understand that alcoholism, drug addiction and problem gambling are chronic conditions that can be successfully prevented and treated.  Communications initiates projects in line with the Department’s strategic plan.  The top priorities for the office are:

  • $10 million Methamphetamine Public Information Campaign

The Legislature and Governor last year approved funding for a statewide methamphetamine public awareness campaign.  The campaign is currently funded at $10 million per year for three years.  The Department is currently soliciting proposals from advertising and public relations firms.  Contracts are scheduled to be announced in March with work beginning in April.

  • Methamphetamine Practitioners Reference Guide

Last year, work began on a comprehensive, 20 chapter reference guide for treatment practitioners about the latest treatment practices for methamphetamine addiction.  The guide, the first of its kind, will provide the most effective methods of treating methamphetamine addiction.  The Practitioners Reference Guide is expected to be completed in March 2007.

  • Web Site overhaul and update

Last year, the Communications Office in partnership with the Information Management Services Division began an overhaul of the Department’s web site.  The goal of the project is to make the current site user friendly with more information for the consumer, particularly youth and parents.

  • Develop a handbook of clients’ right

Occasionally stories are written about the condition of treatment facilities or the quality of care clients receive.  The clients’ handbook is intended to provide information about the treatment process, types of treatment that are available and questions that clients, their families or friends might want to ask when investigating potential treatment facilities.
On a day-to-day basis the office:

  • Responds to media queries
  • Prepares and distributes news releases, questions and answers and
    talking points
  • Compiles daily news clips
  • Develops and edits ADP collateral, letters and reports
  • Writes Director’s talking points and speeches
  • Special projects
  • Develops Governor’s proclamations and letter of commendation
  • Manages contracts-
  • Native American Women’s Public Awareness Campaign
  • Partnerships for a Drug-Free America Methamphetamine Campaign
  • Recovery Happens
  • Prepares biweekly and daily media reports for agency
  • Coordinates quarterly all staff meetings
  • Approves content for the department homepage
  • Coordinates and responds to emails from the public
  • Public records act requests

Office of Criminal Justice Collaboration

The Office of Criminal Justice Collaboration (OCJC) administers seven programs, each of which calls for collaboration between the criminal justice system and one or more public health agencies.

Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act of 2000 (SACPA)

Proposition 36, approved by voters in November 2000, was designed to preserve jail and prison cells for serious violent offenders, enhance public ­safety by reducing drug-related crime, and improve upon public health by reducing drug abuse through proven and effective treatment strategies. Under SACPA, first or second time non-violent adult drug offenders who use, possess, or transport illegal drugs for personal use receive drug treatment rather than incarceration. SACPA programs are funded in all 58 counties.

Offender Treatment Program
The Offender Treatment Program (OTP) serves and enhance outcomes and accountability of Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act of 2000 (SACPA) program eligible offenders. Offender Treatment Program components have been established in 39 counties. OTP funds are used for the following purposes:

  • Enhancing treatment services for offenders assessed to need them, including residential treatment and narcotic treatment therapy.
  • Increasing the proportion of sentenced offenders who enter, remain in, and complete treatment, through activities and approaches such as co-location of services, enhanced supervision of offenders, and enhanced services determined necessary through the use of existing drug test results.
  • Reducing delays in the availability of appropriate treatment services.
  • Use of the drug court model, including dedicated court calendars with regularly scheduled reviews of treatment progress, and strong collaboration by the courts, probation, and treatment.

Drug Courts

Drug courts serve varied populations of adults, parents whose children are in the dependency drug court system, juveniles, repeat drug offenders, multiple offenders, and drug probation violators. The court-supervised treatment is integrated with other rehabilitative services such as vocational training.

Drug courts are designed to reduce drug usage and recidivism, provide court-supervised treatment, and offer the capability to integrate drug treatment with other rehabilitative services to promote long-term recovery and reduce social costs.  Research shows that investing in drug courts results in substantial savings to taxpayers in the form of reduced prison and jail costs, lower victimization costs, and reduced recidivism.

Drug Court Partnership (DCP) Program

The Drug Court Partnership program funds adult drug courts in 32 counties.

Comprehensive Drug Court Implementation (CDCI) Program

The Comprehensive Drug Court Implementation program supports adult, juvenile, dependency, and family drug courts in 52 counties.

Parolee Services Network

The Parolee Services Network (PSN) services are provided in 17 counties. PSN is jointly administered by ADP and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Funding is provided by CDCR. The Parolee Services Network:

  • Places parolees in appropriate alcohol and other drug treatment and recovery programs, either from the community parole systems or immediately upon release from prison custody.  Up to 180 days of treatment and recovery services are provided in local programs;
  • Improves parolee outcomes as evidenced by fewer drug-related revocations and related criminal violations, and supports parolee reintegration into society by encouraging a clean and sober lifestyle; and
  • Reduces State General Fund costs for incarceration and parole supervision.

Female Offender Treatment Program

The Female Offender Treatment Program (FOTP) provides residential and outpatient alcohol and drug treatment and recovery services to female parolees. FOTP provides up to six months (180 days) of alcohol and drug treatment services to each participant. The program:

  • Provides a continuum of community‑based alcohol or drug abuse treatment and recovery services to female parolees in four FOTP counties.
  • Improves female parolee outcomes as evidenced by fewer drug-related revocations and related criminal violations.
  • Supports the parolee’s reintegration into society by encouraging a clean and sober lifestyle.
  • Reduces State General Fund costs for incarceration and parole supervision.

Program services are funded in four counties:  Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino.

Driving-Under-the-Influence (DUI)

The purpose of the DUI program is to reduce the number of repeat DUI offenses by persons who complete a state-licensed DUI program, and to provide participants an opportunity to address problems related to the use of alcohol and/or other drugs.

Legislation was enacted in 1978 that allowed statewide implementation of programs for multiple DUI offenders.  Beginning in 1980, there was a considerable legislative effort to “get tough” on individuals who drive while under the influence.  Laws were passed to increase fines, limit plea-bargaining, provide driver’s license restrictions, and toughen mandatory jail sentencing.  As a result, DUI program requirements were expanded and standardized.

The county board of supervisors, in concert with the county alcohol and drug program administrators, determines the need for DUI program services and recommends applicants to the state for licensure.  ADP licenses programs, establishes regulations, approves participant fees and fee schedules, and provides DUI information. DUI programs operate in 56 counties.

Office of Problem Gambling (OPG)

The California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, Office of Problem Gambling (OPG) is charged with developing statewide programs designed to reduce the prevalence of problem and pathological gambling among California residents, under Section 4369 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code. AB 673, Statutes of 2003, authorized ADP to establish the Office of Problem Gambling.

  • Per AB 673, ADP must (1) develop a statewide plan to address problem and pathological gambling; (2) adopt regulations to administer the program; (3) develop priorities for funding services; and (4) evaluate the effectiveness of the services provided through the program.
  • The Office is mandated to develop a problem gambling prevention program which includes toll-free helpline services, public awareness, training and research.
  • The office has commissioned two major research projects addressing problem gambling services in California and the general prevalence rate of problem and pathological gambling for adults in the state.  A radio and outdoor print campaign in progress, and a training and technical assistance program has begun.  An Advisory group was selected and a statewide plan was completed in November 2006.
  • Training of gambling industry personnel in identifying customers at-risk of problem and pathological gambling and knowledge of referral and treatment services;
  • Training of health care professionals and educators, law enforcement agencies, and non-profit organizations in the identification of problem gambling behavior and knowledge of referral and treatment services.