Delaware’s FFY2023 Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Program

Coordination of substance abuse treatment activities in Delaware is easier in comparison to other states because of Delaware’s unified corrections system. There are no local jails. Placement in treatment programs in Delaware is either court ordered, voluntary, or through classification by the agencies involved. Inmates attend groups, seminars, and maintain treatment plans. Treatment plans are designed for each individual and address needs such as mental health, education, and work skills.

The 2023 RSAT grant intends to fund three important programs in Delaware’s Department of Correction and Youth Rehabilitative Services: (1) The RSAT 2023 funding intends to provide a portion of Maternal Residential Secure Housing for qualified mothers that are involved in the Department of Correction. Maternal Residential Secure Housing is considered an alternative to the traditional placement plan, allowing mothers a supportive environment during their pregnancy, and enabling mothers to keep their newborns while serving their sentence. Grant funds will integrate clinical work with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health issues for mothers and their infants in the Program. A secure residential house is used to provide a protective environment for the newborn and enable the mother and child time to bond. (2) RSAT funding intends to support an RSAT Case Manager in the Department of Correction. Grant funds will integrate clinical work with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health issues for inmates prior to, during, and post-release. The RSAT Case Manager will be responsible for maintaining a caseload for intensive follow-up and coordination with their clients to facilitate successful outcomes. (3) RSAT funding also allows DSCYF to contract with an existing community provider to offer an additional certified alcohol and drug counselor or a licensed mental health professional with substance abuse experience. This staff person assists in the RSAT transition planning for youth in Ferris School for Boys, a level V detention facility. The program, Seven Challenges, provides a continuum of intervention for justice-involved youth needing ongoing treatment services or relapse intervention. Local training for DSCYF staff may also be made available as needed. Specifically, when new staff who will work directly with Ferris residents are brought in, they must undergo a 3-hour orientation training about the Seven Challenges program.

The Delaware Criminal Justice Council (CJC) is the applicant/fiscal agent for RSAT and subgrants to the Department of Correction (DOC) and Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF). The CJC is the State Administrative Agency (SAA) in Delaware and approves plans developed for the RSAT program, as well as most criminal justice grant programs in the State. Council membership includes the Commissioner of Correction, Chief of the Bureau of Prisons, Director of DYRS and Secretary of Health and Social Services to represent the needs of adult and youth offenders.