Ill. gets fed grant for substance-abuse treatment

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois will get a $694,370 grant from the federal government to provide inmate substance-abuse treatment.

The U.S. Justice Department grant will pay for programs in the state Departments of Corrections and Juvenile Justice.

The program requires six to 12 months of treatment in a residential setting away from the general inmate population.

Treatment focuses on the drug problem while developing social, cognitive, behavioral and vocational skills. The program is limited to inmates nearing the end of their prison terms.

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority will provide 10 percent of the grant to local agencies which provide appropriate services.

The rest will support programs at Dwight Correctional Center and youth detention centers at St. Charles, Warrenville, Joliet and Harrisburg.