NCJ Number
128525
Journal
Journal of State Government Volume: 63 Issue: 2 Dated: special issue (April-June 1990) Pages: 32-34
Date Published
1990
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Pennsylvania's efforts to fight drug abuse include the Drug-Free Community Trust Fund (PENNFREE) to apprehend and prosecute drug law offenders and drug treatment for jail inmates.
Abstract
State police and the attorney general's office are using resources from the PENNFREE program to apprehend and prosecute drug law offenders. The governor's plan is to invest an additional $90 million in State funds over the next 2 years to bolster drug law enforcement, drug abuse treatment, education, and other prevention strategies. Pennsylvania is also increasing its capacity to incarcerate offenders and offer treatment opportunities for jail inmates. In addition, the State attempts to help drug abusers that have been previously ignored. For example, a treatment model has been implemented for addicted women with young children. Vantage House allows mothers undergoing treatment to have their children live with them. Pennsylvania was the first State in the country to provide comprehensive alcohol and drug abuse treatment services to those in need under the Medical Assistance Program. The Student Assistance Program, like employee assistance programs in industry, identifies troubled students and helps them participate in the educational process. A unique aspect of student assistance is private sector support.