Governor Kay Ivey has awarded a $280,806 grant to the Alabama Department of Corrections to fund a substance abuse treatment program to help state prisoners end drug addictions “which often contribute to their incarceration,” according to a press release from Ivey’s office Thursday.
“Ending drug addictions reduces recidivism and puts inmates on a path toward a more productive life upon release,” Ivey said. “This grant will ensure state prisons get the tools they need to help participants in the program overcome the destructive influence of illegal drug use.”
The grant will fund a 12-month Residential Substance Abuse Treatment program in eight prisons throughout the state: Bibb Correctional Facility, Bullock Correctional Facility, William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility, Easterling Correctional Facility, Staton Correctional Facility, Ventress Correctional Facility, St. Clair Correctional Facility and Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women.
Drug treatment staff members conduct the program to provide education, counseling and drug testing to break the link between drug addiction and criminal activity. Staff members conduct drug testing before, during and after participants complete the program for as long as they remain in ADOC custody.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant with funds from the U.S. Department of Justice. ADOC will provide $93,602 in matching funds.
“Treating addiction before prisoners are reintegrated into the community is crucial, because drug abuse is so closely linked with crime,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Governor Ivey in support of this program and its focus on lasting recovery.”
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.
