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New ASI certification saves taxpayer money at county jail

Mental Health Supervisor Donelle and Sheriff Kozak. (Courtesy Laramie County Sheriff's Department)

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Laramie County Sheriff’s Office has achieved a major milestone in helping inmates battle substance abuse. Its mental health unit is now certified by the Department of Health to conduct Addiction Severity Index, or ASI, assessments. This certification will significantly reduce wait times for inmates seeking addiction treatment, allowing them to move through the criminal justice system faster.

Previously, inmates often had to wait months for an ASI assessment, delaying their ability to apply for addiction treatment beds or receive sentencing. With the new certification, LCSO mental health professionals can now perform these assessments in-house, expediting the process and cutting costs for taxpayers.

Sheriff Kozak praised the team’s efforts, stating, “It’s been a goal of mine for our LCSO mental health professionals to be able to complete an ASI so we can help people overcome substance abuse and move through the criminal justice system faster.” He also highlighted that Laramie County is among a select few jails in the nation capable of performing these assessments.

In a post on Facebook, LCSO called the new certification a “game changer” and gave special recognition to Donelle, the mental health supervisor, for her dedication. It took over a year of hard work to achieve this certification.

In addition to this new capability, the LCSO has committed to providing further support to inmates serious about treatment. Sheriff Kozak shared a recent case in which the sheriff’s posse volunteered to transport an inmate with no family or transportation to an inpatient drug treatment program in Sheridan. The inmate, convicted of a property crime and addicted to methamphetamine, faced a year in jail if he couldn’t get to treatment, which would have cost taxpayers $66,000.

“Our Posse has committed to make this a regular service for those serious about changing their life,” Kozak said, underscoring the department’s focus on both supporting rehabilitation and reducing the financial burden on the community.


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