This Act was adopted to assist custodial parents seeking treatment for a child who is believed to be drug and/or alcohol dependent.  Although this process begins with the parent contacting the Berks County Juvenile Probation Office, this is ultimately a dependency matter and could then result in Berks County Children and Youth Services filing a petition of dependency. 

 

If a parent believes their child is using a substance and the child has refused treatment, the parent may then begin the ACT 53 process.  The parent contacts the Berks County Juvenile Probation Office and requests assistance with ACT 53.  The probation office will explain the process in detail and will begin by scheduling a Drug and Alcohol Evaluation at TASC.  TASC will then provide recommendations for treatment.  If, at any time, the child becomes resistant, the parent may once again contact the probation office for assistance in formal Court action.

 

For more information regarding ACT 53, contact the Berks County Juvenile Probation Office.