Background: In 1992, following the opening of Central Texas Treatment Center, an officer with special training in substance abuse was hired to supervise residents discharged from the treatment center. Following legislative changes in 1993 affecting the Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facility programs, the Substance Abuse Caseload Program was expanded to include supervision of defendants sentenced by the courts to community supervision and required to serve a term of confinement and treatment. Defendants were also required to participate and complete a drug or alcohol abuse continuum of care program.
Program Description: Three CSOs provide intensive supervision to offenders discharged from substance abuse facilities for six months to one year, depending on the need of the individual. Officers provide transitional planning, arrange referral services and oversee the progress of residents. Additionally, substance abuse counselors at the treatment center conduct 1.5 hours of aftercare counseling per week. Aftercare group addresses relapse issues, marital and family relationships issues, and other alcohol and drug related issues, including suicide prevention. The offender is required to attend group each week according to the offender’s individualized transitional plan.
