'Teen Mom' accepted into drug diversion program

ANDERSON, Ind. (WISH) - A Madison County judge ruled Thursday that MTV reality TV star Amber Portwood would be allowed to take part n the county's drug court diversion program.

The ruling means Portwood, who starred in "Teen Mom," will be able to finish out her sentence at a halfway house, instead of in jail, 24-Hour News 8 news partner The Herald Bulletin reports. She'll remain in Madison County Jail until Sister 2 Sister, the halfway house that serves women coming out of jail, can evaluate her on Monday or Tuesday.

The newspaper reports Portwood appeared disappointed with the details of the ruling. She told Judge David Happe that she thought she would be able to live with her grandparents while completing the diversion program.

“I understand you’ve been in jail for awhile, and you’re frustrated,” Happe told Portwood. “But the last thing we want to do is release you and have you commit another offense.”

Portwood's guilty plea earlier this month on drug and violation probation charges paved the way for her consideration for the drug court program.

She will be required to undergo daily screenings, fulfill treatment obligations and attend drug court each week. She will also be able to come and go as she wishes, as long as she keeps Sister 2 Sister staff up on her whereabouts and complies with the halfway house's 10 p.m. curfew, the newspaper reports.

The court could decide to release her from the halfway house, depending on her progress, the judge told Portwood's attorney.

The ruling was initially scheduled last Thursday, but it was delayed due to negotiations with MTV, who still has Portwood under contract. The newspaper reports the judge said the agreement was made so Portwood’s contractual obligations could not interfere with her completion of the program, and Portwood cannot be sued for violating her contract.

If Portwood fails to meet the requirments of the drug court program, she will serve five years at the Department of Correction.