Intervention in Lieu of Conviction

Intervention in Lieu of Conviction (IILC) is a diversion program for first time drug offenders with no history of violent crime. If offenders are found eligible for IILC and complete court-ordered treatment they will have the drug offense(s) expunged from their record. The purpose of the Intervention in Lieu of Conviction evaluation is to determine if 1) the offender has a substance use disorder and 2) if this substance use disorder was a factor in the alleged instant offense. Dr. Tarescavage has published peer-reviewed research articles on substance abuse assessment and predicting future probation failure. The standards for IILC evaluations are outlined in the Ohio Revised Code. 

Prior to their Intervention in Lieu of Conviction evaluation with Dr. Tarescavage, the evaluee will complete a brief history questionnaire. The in-person component of the evaluation lasts approximately 1.5 hours and begins with an overview of the purpose of the evaluation as well as a review of the limitations on confidentiality. After introductions, the evaluee  may complete psychological testing. After testing is completed, Dr. Tarescavage conducts the clinical interview. The first part of the interview involves the collection of background information (family, educational, medical, employment, military, legal, and substance use). The second part of the interview is the diagnostic assessment. Dr. Tarescavage will assess the evaluee’s symptoms, the course of their problems, and impairment. Next, during the most comprehensive aspect of the assessment, Dr. Tarescavage conducts an evaluation of factors that led to the offense. Finally, Dr. Tarescavage gives the evaluee preliminary feedback on their assessment results. However, Dr. Tarescavage will never give feedback on his opinion regarding the evaluee’s eligibility for IILC. After the in-person evaluation is completed, Dr. Tarescavage will conduct a record review and collateral contact process and write a 3 to 6 page report detailing his findings and opinions. The referral source will receive the report within three business days of the evaluation (assuming additional records do not need to be requested). If the evaluee is interested in obtaining a copy of the evaluation, they will need to contact the referral source. 

These evaluations are criminal forensic assessments, which include competency to stand trial, not guilty by reason of insanity, mitigation of penalty, violence risk assessment, and intervention in lieu of conviction evaluations.