PCCD Announces Grants to Support Re-Entry, Public Safety Efforts

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has awarded federal and state funds toward programs designed to ease prison populations and reduce recidivism in state correctional facilities.

The funds will support county-based treatment programs and restrictive intermediate punishment programs for certain types of offenders, including one designed to help them successfully return to their community.

Approximately $15.3 million in state funds were awarded to 39 counties for Drug and Alcohol/Restrictive Intermediate Punishment programs.

These funds are used to develop and implement treatment programs for offenders with drug and alcohol addiction, combined with restrictive sanctions. Examples of these programs include residential rehabilitation centers, halfway houses, intensive supervision with electronic monitoring as well as day and work-release reporting centers.

The funding is targeted toward the treatment of two levels of offenders. One level of treatment is for offenders sentenced to less than a year in prison for serious crimes and with numerous prior convictions. The other set of treatment is for those convicted of more serious crimes, but sentenced to less than 30 months in prison.

The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections has been awarded $906,000 in federal funds for a residential substance abuse treatment program. Prison staff and local providers will work with these offenders, providing substance abuse treatment, life-skills training and other support services.  

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency is the state's lead agency for criminal justice policy issues, providing support service to law enforcement agencies, victims of crime and communities. For more information, visit www.pccd.state.pa.us  or call 717-705-0888.

Media contact: Tara Mead, 717-265-8470

Editor's Note: For detailed information on these grants, please click on the following link: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/document/1086270/public_safety_grants_pdf

SOURCE Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency