Wisconsin RSAT 2009

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 Wisconsin Office of Justice Assistance (WI OJA) will use its FY 2009 Residential Substance Abuse and Treatment (RSAT) grant to fund the Support, Trust, Respect, Encouragement, Natural, Growth, Together, and Honesty (STRENGTH) program at the Taycheedah Correctional Institution. The STRENGTH program is a six to twelve-month program that addresses the needs of female state prisoners who are identified as having the dual disorders of substance abuse/dependency and chronic mental illness. The goals of the STRENGTH program are: 1) To manage chemical addiction by engaging the offender to participate in a long-term program of recovery and rehabilitation; 2) To manage mental illness by engaging the offender to participate in a long-term program of recovery and rehabilitation; 3) To address criminal attitudes and negative thinking patterns; 4) To improve the ability of participants to function effectively; 5) To engage offenders in a long-term, community-based program of maintenance, rehabilitation stabilization and recovery; and 6) To provide consultation with parole supervisors/agents on specific issues or behavioral monitoring.

The STRENGTH program is contained in a separate unit within the Taycheedah Correctional Institution. Random drug testing is conducted on ten percent of the participants weekly, or if there is reason to believe the participant has been in possession of illegal drugs. Aftercare services are contracted from local agencies offering community support programs or specialized case management services which address the multiple treatment needs of the participants and broker as well as monitor utilization of other needed services. Additionally, the WI OJA will use 10% of this award to fund a residential treatment program at the Milwaukee House of Corrections. The overall purpose of this program is to reduce the recidivism of short-term offenders. The approach to achieve this is to address substance abuse issues and to change the life skills and strategic planning skills of offenders through the addition of a cognitive skills building component.

NCA/NCF