Program Authorization: R.S. 15:821-840.2 and R.S. 36:401-409
The mission of the Blue Walters Program is to provide a substance abuse program for selected inmates who are either completing their sentences or being released early on parole, good time, or to work release programs.
The goal of the Blue Walters Program is to reduce recidivism through a structured program of substance abuse intervention, education, and rehabilitation.
The Blue Walters Substance Abuse Program (BWP), which is based on a 60-day cycle treatment program and housed in a 140-bed treatment facility (physically located on the campus of East Louisiana State Hospital in Jackson), has been in operation since March 1991. While in treatment, inmates undergo an intense program that includes didactic lectures, audio and video materials covering all aspects of the disease addiction, the 12-step programs of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), small group therapy, individual counseling, specialized groups covering relapse prevention, stress management/relaxation therapy, assertiveness training, conflict resolution, improving self-esteem, life management skills, adult education, supervised recreation therapy, and nightly attendance at AA or NA meetings. Upon discharge, all individuals are referred to state substance abuse clinics in their communities for aftercare services.
A recent evaluation study comparing the recidivism rates of offenders released from the Blue Walters Program with offenders released from the general prison population without having gone through the Blue Walters Program, found that the BWP treatment group had a recidivism rate over 4% lower than the control or non-BWP group. The Blue Walters Program comprises approximately 4.5% of the total institution budget.
OBJECTIVES AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Unless otherwise indicated, all objectives are to be accomplished during or by the end of FY 1999-2000. Performance indictors are made up of two parts: name and value. The indicator name describes what is being measured. The indicator value is the numeric value or level achieved within a given measurement period. For budgeting purposes, performance indicator values are shown for the prior fiscal year, the current fiscal year, and alternative funding scenarios (continuation budget level and Executive Budget recommendation level) for the ensuing fiscal year (the fiscal year of the budget document).
RESOURCE ALLOCATION FOR THE PROGRAM
This program is funded with State General Fund and Interagency Transfers. The Interagency Transfers are received from the Department of Health and Hospitals to fund nursing positions for the Blue Walters Facility.
ANALYSIS OF RECOMMENDATION
The total means of financing for this program is recommended at 102.0% of the existing operating budget. It represents 44.0% of the total request ($2,481,549) for this program. The increase in the recommended level is attributed to the funding of classified employee salary adjustments.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
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This program does not have funding for Professional Services for Fiscal Year 1999-2000. |
OTHER CHARGES
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Reimbursement of utility costs to East Louisiana State Hospital |
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ACQUISITIONS AND MAJOR REPAIRS
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This program does not have funding for Acquisitions and Major Repairs for Fiscal Year 1999-2000. |