updateThe CBC has worked tirelessly to combine the most effective assets of California's private certification systems with the enforcement and oversight powers of a designated "single state agency" (Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs ADP). The CBC model would have utilized the current, efficient and cost effective infrastructure developed over the past two decades by keeping the state's counselor preparation and testing organizations (CPTOs) intact. We collectively believe it would have improved upon this system by giving the Department the statutory authority to issue certifications and licenses to counselors and to regulate CPTOs. By doing so, consumers, family members and employers would have experienced improved consumer protection, standardized complaint and enforcement standards and increased professionalism. 

Unfortunately this is to inform you that Legislative procedural hurdles prevented SB 1203 from advancing to a final vote for passage this year.  However, please know that the efforts of the sponsors, members, and supporters of CAADAC, Breining and CAARR (CBC) have blazed a new path for future changes within the state of California. "All is not for naught because this was an invaluable experience and in all sincerity it was an awesome experience to work side by side with the best minds in the counselor field and I look forward to keeping the momentum going" said Susan Blacksher, Executive Director of CAARR.

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CAARR/BCAS is offering reciprocity to all current FACT counselors.

CAS Certification Requirement

  • No Fee for the currect CAS candidate
  • No testing required
  • Copy of current FACT certificate
  • CAS application information form
  • Signed Code of Ethics

CAS II Certification Requirement

  • No Fee for the currect CAS candidate
  • No testing required
  • Proof of a minimum of 270 hours of classroom education
  • Proof of 6,240 hours of work experience in the AOD Field
  • Copy of current FACT certificate
  • CAS application information form
  • Signed Code of Ethics

Click here to download the FACT Reciprocity Packet

Counselor and program support surging despite attack from program executives association

SACRAMENTO, California (August 19, 2010) - The CAADAC, Breining and CAARR (CBC) coalition is receiving overwhelming support for its licensure proposal which is now Senate Bill 1203—DeSaulnier. Counselors, program owners and managers from throughout California are applauding the compromise legislation that is now before the legislature for final consideration.

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photo_senator_mark_desaulnier-SPACBudget-neutral bill protects AODA patients and California taxpayers

SACRAMENTO, California (July 13, 2010) – Senator Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord) has renewed his ongoing efforts to regulate alcohol and drug abuse (AODA) counselors.  Senate Bill 686 was amended on July 1 to require the State Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP) to administer the regulatory oversight.

“SB 686 provides essential oversight by building on the existing system of certification,” said DeSaulnier.  “This bill provides clear authority for the State Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs to oversee these programs for the protection of consumers and counselors while adding no costs whatsoever to the already strained State Budget.”

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July 1, 2010

Today is the first day of California’s 2010-11 fiscal year and nobody is surprised even one iota that, once again, we enter it without a budget in place. The Assembly and Senate each held floor sessions today, voted on some bills, and adjourned for a month. The Leadership of the 2 Houses will apparently stay in Sacramento, along with a few key Members of the Budget Committees, to try to make some of the decisions that have to be made. But as of today, the State has no authority to pay many of its bills.

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Southern CA

Northern CA

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Palm Springs Hilton Hotel
400 East Tahquitz Canyon
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Saturday September 18, 2010

Hilton Sacramento Arden West Hotel
2200 Harvard Street
Sacramento, CA 95815

Contact: Traci Phillips (916) 338-9460, ext. 23

The CAS Application Packet including documentation of 270 hour education requirement must be posted and mailed by August 30, 2010 to take the examination. The CAS Study Guide and CAS Application Packet are available online at the CAARR web site.

To receive newsletters and email alerts on information and upcoming events click here  to send your email address to CAARR.  We are now sending out the monthly training calendar!  If you are only interested in receiving the training calendar, please write "trainings" in the message area.