Substance-abuse treatment for inmates receives grants

YOUNGSTOWN -- More than $64 million has been awarded to all 50 states, the District of Columbia and eligible territories to provide substance-abuse treatment to offenders at state and local correctional facilities.
The grants were awarded through the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program (RSAT) of the U.S. Justice Department.
Ohio received more than $2 million; Pennsylvania, $1.7 million. The Justice Department and Office of Congressional and Public Affairs said it is up to the states to distribute the money to areas in need.
The Criminal Justice Service in Ohio said the grant for 2001 is just now being distributed. It will be some time before the state will determine the use of funds for 2002. Columbiana County did not receive funds for correctional facilities, but may receive RSAT grants for post-release services for inmates. There was no word yet on Mahoning and Trumbull counties.
The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency said Mercer and Lawrence counties also did not receive funds for correctional facilities, but also may get RSAT grants for post-release services.
RSAT funds support individual or group drug treatment for offenders in residential facilities operated by state and local corrections agencies. Each offender's treatment program lasts between six and 12 months, during which time the offender is regularly tested for drugs.