
Huh?
If you're confused by our short hand speak, you're not alone! We've started compiling an acronym list to help you navigate our alphabet soup of lingo.
Common Acronyms Decoded
ASW
Associate of Social Work
​
a professional who has completed their social work education but is still gaining experience
BH
Behavioral Health
​
​a branch of healthcare that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions that affect a person's mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being
Conviction Alternatives Program
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an NDCA sentencing alternative program for defendants who pose a higher recidivism risk as a result of distinct risk factors, such as youth, substance use, prior attempts at treatment or rehabilitation, or prior convictions
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
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a type of psychotherapy that helps people change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, often used to treat anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions
Courage to Change​
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a therapeutic approach focusing on building the courage to confront challenges and take the necessary steps to make positive changes in one's life, often utilizing CBT principles
Dialectical Behavior Therapy​
​
a type of therapy that helps people learn to manage intense emotions and make positive changes in their lives, based on CBT
IOP
Intensive Outpatient Treatment​
​
a structured, daily therapy program for people with mental health disorders or substance use disorders
LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker​
​
an individual who has completed a master's degree in social work (MSW), a specific number of hours of clinical experience under the supervision of an LCSW, and passed a jurisprudence exam and the ASWB Clinical Examination
Leading Emerging Adults to Develop Success​
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an NDCA program designed to connect certain emerging adult offenders with community services and the possibility for noncustodial sentences or dismissal of charges
Man. Min.
Mandatory Minimum​
​
a minimum prison term that a court must impose for certain crimes
MFT
Marriage and Family Therapist​
​
a mental health professional who helps individuals, couples, and families with mental and emotional issues
MH
Mental Health​
​
a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being
Motivational Interviewing​
​
a client-centered, evidence-based counseling approach that aims to enhance an individual's motivation to change behavior
Moral Reconation Therapy​
​
a CBT-based approach primarily used to reduce criminal recidivism by focusing on an individual's moral reasoning and helping them understand the consequences of their actions
Northern District of California​
​
the federal US district court whose jurisdiction comprises the counties of: Alameda, Contra Costa, Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, San Benito, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sonoma
Oakland Reentry Court​
​
an NDCA program for individuals who are at high risk of violating the conditions of their supervision and who also have a documented history of substance abuse
Public Health​
​
a field that focuses on protecting and improving the health of populations and communities
Professional Mentorship Initiative​
​
A Curiae's virtual program that matches clients with skilled workers who can offer guidance on resume building, interview skills, and career advancement
PO
Pretrial, Probation or Parole Officer​
​
a government official who supervises people who have been released from custody
San Francisco Reentry Court
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an NDCA program for individuals who are at high risk of violating the conditions of their supervision
SLE
Sober Living Environment
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a supportive housing option for people recovering from drug or alcohol addiction
SUD
Substance Use Disorder​
​
problematic pattern of substance use that affects a person's health and quality of life
Social Work​
​
a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people
TSR
Term of Supervised Release​
​
a period of supervision that a defendant must serve after being released from prison
UA
Urine Analysis​
​
a test that assesses the physical and chemical properties of urine, specifically screening for drugs