SCRAM
(Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor)

Case Study
Brian J.
Riverside County Family Court

Overview – In 2004, after showing up to court intoxicated, Brian J. was referred to Leaders In Community Alternatives, Inc. (LCA) for enrollment in the SCRAM program. When Mr. J. contacted LCA, the program director could hardly understand him, as he was drunk.

History – Mr. J., aged 40 was going through a child custody battle. Although he admitted to drinking heavily, his ex-wife accused him of being an alcoholic. His ex-wife did not want him around their children when he was drunk.

Mr. J. was on SCRAM for 90 days and during that time he had no positive alcohol tests or tamper violations. Upon his completion, Mr. J. told the LCA program director, “I didn’t drink because I knew I was being watched.”

Final Disposition – Mr. J. was able to prove sobriety and was granted visitation of his children.



Case Study
Yvette H.
San Francisco Family Court

Overview – Yvette and her husband went out one night in 2005 leaving their two children (2 & 4 years old) with neighbors.  When the couple didn’t return 72 hours later, the neighbors called the police and Child Protective Services became involved. No formal charges were filed, however, since the couple had a history of drug and alcohol use, the Commissioner ordered the couple to be placed on SCRAM. The Commissioner wanted insurance that while the children were in the couple’s care they were not drinking.

History – Yvette and her husband are alcoholics and had been heavy cocaine users in the past. Although they were clean and sober for five years, they fell off the wagon, with alcohol and drugs, the night they abandoned their children.

Final Disposition – Yvette was on SCRAM for 60 days and her husband was on SCRAM for 90 days. During that time they had no violations. The couple went back to court 90 days later for a review. Since they did well on the SCRAM program they did not lose custody of their children. Yvette said, “SCRAM was a blessing. It is an alternative to having your kids displaced. SCRAM worked very well for us and I will think before ever using again. SCRAM was all I needed, it was a complete reminder, 24 hours a day.”



Case Study
Pedro G.
Santa Clara County

Overview – On August 20, 2004 Pedro G. was referred to Leaders in Community Alternatives, Inc. (LCA) for enrollment in the SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) program. Mr. G. was referred to LCA by Santa Clara County Pre-Trial Services.

History – Mr. G. is a 34-year old alcoholic and has been arrested four times for Driving Under the Influence in the past seven years. He claims he has tried to stop drinking on numerous occasions.

Mr. G. was on SCRAM for 150 days and during that time he did not have any positive alcohol readings or tamper violations.  Mr. G. said it was time he took responsibility for his actions and that “SCRAM is a good reason to stop drinking.”

Final Disposition –In addition to an outpatient treatment program and other outside support, Mr. G. remains alcohol free. Mr. G. still has to complete his work furlough and says he is grateful to be given the opportunity to stay out of jail.



Case Study
Janel T.
Santa Clara County Family Court

Overview – On November 10, 2004 Janel T. was referred to Leaders In Community Alternatives, Inc. (LCA) for enrollment in the SCRAM program. Ms T. voluntarily enrolled in SCRAM after being given a choice by her attorney and a Santa Clara Family Court Judge to choose between SCRAM and a treatment program in order to get custody of her children. She and her husband split the cost of the program.

History – Ms. T., a 38-year old mother of two, is going through a child custody battle with her ex-husband. She was on the verge of losing her two children due to accusations by her ex-husband that she had an alcohol problem. If she could prove sobriety, the Judge would consider giving her custody. Ms. T. did not voluntarily admit to LCA staff that she had an alcohol problem; but she did not deny it.

Ms. T. was on SCRAM for 60 days. During that time Ms. T. had no positive alcohol tests or tamper violations. Ms. T. stated that wearing the bracelet was a constant reminder that she shouldn’t drink and that she was doing this for her children.

Final Disposition – Since Ms. T. was able to prove sobriety, she did not lose custody of her children and was granted joint legal custody.



Case Study
Robin L.
San Bernardino County Family Court

Overview – On June 9, 2004 Robin L. was referred to Leaders in Community Alternatives (LCA) for enrollment in the SCRAM program. Ms. L. was advised by her attorney and a San Bernardino Family Court Judge that in order to get custody of her children, she needed to prove sobriety.

History – Ms. L., a 43-year old alcoholic since her teenage years, was going through a difficult divorce, and was on the verge of losing her two children due to her alcoholism. She had been through the Betty Ford clinic five times without success.

Ms. L. was successful on SCRAM for 51 days. Ms. L. told her attorney that for the first time in her life she felt empowered and in charge of her future.

Final Disposition – Because Ms. L. was able to prove sobriety, she was granted partial custody of her children.