Texas prisons and jails are receiving millions of dollars to help end drug related crime. On Wednesday U.S. Senator John Cornyn, R-Texas announced the money will aid in supporting critical resources for inmates struggling with substance abuse disorders.
According to data published by U.S. Senator Cornyn’s office, 14% of the states incarcerated population served time for a drug related offense at the end of 2022.
To lessen the chances of future drug related crime, Governor Greg Abbott’s office is getting $4,295,094 in funding to create a Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Program (RAST).
It’s said to help inmates who have drug convictions, or a substance abuse disorder overcome their addiction and prepare to re-enter society. The treatment will be funded by the U.S Department of Justice.
Latreese Cooke is the founder of The MELJ center, an Austin-based organization that works with previously incarcerated individuals and their families. She’s sharing her thoughts about the initiative.
“I think the biggest thing for me after being on this work for 21 years, they have to be serious about getting people well,” she said.
She believes the program could have positive benefits but believes there needs to be oversight to ensure the money is being allocated appropriately.
“This is not new for TDCJ or entities that that are earmarked to receive this type of assistance from the government. Who watches? What happens to that money and the quality of the programs that they’re supposed to be given to the inmates?” said Cooke.
The Public Safety Office (PSO) of the Texas OOG will make sub awards available to agencies operating correctional and detention facilities including the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and county governments operating local facilities. PSO administers the program in partnership with these entities and designs the program with their input.
In a statement Sen. Cornyn says, “Improving access to treatment and recovery programs for incarcerated individuals with substance abuse disorders is key to reducing recidivism. I am proud to lead the charge for this important funding to ensure newly released individuals are equipped to live healthy, drug-free lives.”
Cook says if the state doesn’t want inmates to be repeat offenders, how they’re treated while incarcerated also plays a role.
“If you don’t treat a person well, while they’re in there, it’s very difficult for them psychologically and emotionally to be well. I just feel like we have a system that is not serious about totally helping a person to recover so that they do not end up going back into the system,” she said.
By Paige Hubbard – CBS Austin
Tags: Addiction Services Funding Harm Reduction Jail Program Programs
