The TASC program model was developed in the early 1970's as a response to chronic crime problems presented by persons involved in heavy drug usage. While the program was initially aimed at heroin addicts, it has evolved to include all types of substance abuse, including alcohol. The focus of the performance audit on two Washington State TASC programs was the effectiveness of the programs as an alternative to State incarceration. While the total percentage of clients avoiding incarceration is relatively small (from 5 percent to 13 percent), the net result is positive. A total of 64 incarcerations were avoided, representing 127 man-years of incarceration. Using the most likely incarceration cost figures, a total of just under $2,000,000 in incarceration costs were avoided during fiscal 1982, while costs of the TASC programs during this period were about $358,000. It is recommended that the State consider expanding the TASC program into other localities within the State and that the TASC programs in Pierce and Snohomish counties be continued at least through June 30, 1984. Recommended improvements include the development of definitive program eligibility requirements, working agreements with treatment agencies, improved formal communication with criminal justice agencies, and improvements in the maintenance and standardization of client statistics. There is an absence of monitoring by the Department of Corrections and no ongoing evaluation to measure program effectiveness. The contractual responsibility for administering the programs should be transferred from the Department of Corrections to the Office of the Administrator for the Courts. The appendixes contain a summary of recommendations, a summary of proposed legislation, a discussion of fiscal impact, specific responses to audit objectives, and agency comments. Tabular data from the audit are provided. (Author summary modified)