For 10 men housed at the Washington County Jail, a transformation is currently underway.
On Monday, August 2, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office launched the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Program (RSAT) within the Washington County Jail.
According to Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran, this program targets inmates incarcerated at the Washington County Jail who have a substance abuse problem, and who commit and demonstrate a desire to stop using illicit drugs and alcohol.
Allison McAfee, Executive Director of Washington County Family Connection, noted that when applying for the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council’s grant to bring the Residential Substance Abuse Training Program to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, approximately 15 percent of the jail roster was already waiting to complete an RSAT program.
“We’re meeting the need here in Washington County,” said McAfee.
Program Coordinator Patrick Wilson explained that the RSAT has three components: recovery, rehabilitation, and re-education. Those phases focus on the individual’s cognitive behavior through classes such as substance abuse prevention, anger management, trauma, and Moral Recognition Therapy (MRT); Wilson stated that MRT is a 12-step program designed to enhance self-image, promote growth of a positive, productive identity, and facilitate the development of higher stages of moral reasoning.
In addition, the phases help those enrolled in the program focus on character development and workplace skills. The Washington County RSAT program has partnered with various agencies such as Oconee Fall Line Technical College, Washington County Family Connection, and the University of Georgia’s Cooperative Extension Office to provide necessary educational opportunities to those enrolled in the program.
Program Coordinator Wilson remarked that each of the 10 participants is given an education pathway plan. Through the program’s partnership with Oconee Fall Line Technical College’s Department of Adult and Continuing Education, the individuals can earn a high school diploma, a GED, and/or participate in the Industrial Maintenance Certification Program.
For the men enrolled in the program, each day begins at 7 a.m. with a fitness component. Following their exercises, the men shower and return to class ready to learn. At the end of the day, the men have homework assignments to complete.
“Along with teaching classes, we’re also trying to help those enrolled in the program reconnect with their children and their families,” said Family Connection Executive Director McAfee.
When discussing a fourth component of the program, Program Coordinator Wilson stated that they plan to offer a Reentry phase, as well, which is available through a partnership with Vital Link Center in Tennille.
“This will provide the RSAT program graduates with a continuation of care and a deeper connection to the community through career development and ongoing counseling for life after release,” said Program Coordinator Wilson.
Washington County Family Connection Executive Director McAfee stated that the goal is to expand this program to reach even more individuals; they plan to reach 20 individuals this year.