FY 2009 Guam Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program

The Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Formula Grant Program (RSAT) assists states and local governments in developing and implementing substance abuse treatment programs in state and local correctional and detention facilities. The RSAT Program also assists states and local governments in creating and maintaining community-based aftercare services for offenders who are released from institutionally based substance abuse programs. Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Formula Grant funds may be used to implement three types of programs. At least 10 percent of the total state allocation for FY 2009 shall be made available to local correctional and detention facilities (provided such facilities exist) for either residential substance abuse treatment programs or jail-based substance abuse treatment programs as defined below.

Guam's FY 2009 RSAT grant funds will be used to enhance the Department of Corrections (DOC) RSAT Program, which has been the pathway for inmates to receive substance abuse treatment while being incarcerated. The Guam RSAT Program currently promotes an alternative to a better, healthier, and positive lifestyle for those inmates who are enrolled and treated. The program also stresses the importance of the transition and reintegration process prior to the release of the residents into the community.

The goal of the program is to break the cycle of drugs and violence by reducing the demand for, use, and trafficking of illegal drugs. The programming will address this goal by helping the inmates prepare both mentally and physically for release from prison and reunification with their family and the community. The objectives of the program are to: (1) encourage self-control; (2) enable the individual to stop using substances; (3) educate in everyday life skills to make better decisions; and (4) teach the inmates the importance of self-control, stress management, and anger management. The target group for the RSAT program will include convicted inmates with a history of substance abuse or domestic and family violence, and have six to twelve months remaining on their prison sentence. The program will be offered on an on-going basis.

The DOC staff has been trained to administer and conduct drug testing of inmates and parolees in part. The RSAT program will contract the services of two entities for the purpose of urinalysis drug testing. Since the inception of the RSAT program, inmates can access treatment services and aftercare upon the return to the community.

NCA/NCF