Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for inmates incarcerated within Nevada Correctional Facilities

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.

The Nevada Department of Public Safety will use its FY 2009 RSAT funds to continue the residential therapeutic community model that is cognitively-based and psycho-educational. The model will prepare offenders for reintegration into the community by incorporating reentry planning activities into the treatment program and will reduce the recidivism rate. The RSAT funds also will enhance the capability of the Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC) to provide better service to the residential clients during their participation in the substance abuse program, increasing the number of clients completing the program. Under grant funds, NDOC will support the following: (1) Provide a minimum of 30 hours per week of direct alcohol and drug abuse treatment for the inmates selected for the program; (2) At least 80% of participating inmates will successfully complete the 6-12 month treatment phase of the program; (3) At least 85% of those successfully completing the OASIS NORTH treatment program shall report counseling as having been 'satisfactory' or better; (4) Inmates who complete the treatment phase will continue to receive program support and aftercare for a minimum of 12 months after parole or release into the community; and (5) Provide follow-up contact with a minimum of 80% of OASIS NORTH graduates to monitor their success as demonstrated by remaining drug and alcohol-free, finding and retaining legitimate employment, and avoiding criminal behavior.

The grant award will assist offenders through the reentry process by coordinating discharge planning and aftercare services. Also offenders with co-occurring disorders will receive care from an appropriate NDOC medical and/or mental health staff member while in the program. Priority will be given to the Oasis North Program within the Nevada Department of Corrections. This program has re-entry services available for graduates through a network of outside treatment facilities and halfway houses. The primary focus is on re-entry and placing the graduates in the appropriate aftercare services as determined by counselors and medical staff.

NCA/NCF