Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT)

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.

Under the FY 2009 RSAT funds, the mission of the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) will continue to be improving public safety by reducing recidivism among substance abusing offenders completing RSAT Programs. Virginia's jail-based RSAT Program is designed to enhance the substance abuse treatment system in Virginia by preparing offenders for reentry into the community and by incorporating reentry planning activities into the later phases of the RSAT Program in jails. The FY 2009 grant funds will support the RSAT Jail Program at the Petersburg Jail and the administration of the RSAT Program. No more than 10 percent of the total allocation for FY 2009 will be made available for funding of administrative costs during FY 2010 and FY 2011. The Petersburg jail-based program is a 20 bed male unit that is totally separate from the general population. Extensive group and individual counseling is provided by jail staff. The program will admit an estimated 40 offenders each year and expects to assist 75% of those offenders to complete the program successfully.

The state (DCJS) will coordinate RSAT's design and implementation at the local level with various jail staff. DCJS staff will coordinate RSAT substance abuse treatment and aftercare services provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration through DCJS staff participation on the State Substance Abuse Services Council.

NCA/NCF