The number individuals in the district of columbia (DC) that are incarcerated with a substance use disorder continue to rise

This federal Formula Grant award from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) provides $118,765 to the DC Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants (OVSJG) to fund the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) for State Prisoners Program (CFDA 16.593). The program aims to address the high rates of substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions among the incarcerated population in Washington, D.C. The grant will support OVSJG in operating a certified, therapeutic co-occurring disorders program within the D.C. Department of Corrections facilities. Key objectives include improving substance use outcomes, providing continuity of care upon release, and decreasing recidivism rates through evidence-based residential treatment, counseling, and reentry services. The grant period runs from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2028.

The district of columbia (DC) department of corrections (DOC) estimates that up to 41 percent of individuals incarcerated in the DOC facilities have a substance use disorder, while 20 percent of DOC residents have a mental health diagnosis. In addition to this, 28 percent of all incarcerated individuals are dually diagnosed with a substance use disorder and a mental health diagnosis. The districts jail-based substance abuse treatment program (also known as rsat) is a certified, therapeutic CO-occurring disorders program that provides interventions and activities geared towards assisting the DOC resident in stabilization and management of their CO- occurring disorders. The rsat program is certified by the DC department of behavioral health (DBH) to provide level 3.1 clinically managed low intensity substance use disorder treatment services for adults. This certification requires that the program meet all DBH regulatory requirements. The programs primary objectives are to 1) provide a holistic patient centered CO-occurring substance use program to improve substance use outcomes; 2) provide continuity of care upon release; and 3) decrease recidivism rates. Rsat supports the client in changing negative behavior patterns, addressing the clients trauma and the impact of trauma, reducing criminal behavior. The rsat program consists of four phases, with preliminary testing occurring before a resident is admitted into the rsat program. Clients are assessed in every stage before moving to the phase to assess their readiness for treatment and compliance in living a substance free life. The rsat manager and clinician conducts cognitive, substance use, stages of change and psychological assessments for all potential clients.