HARRISBURG - Funds have been released through the U.S. Department of Justice to assist correctional facilities in implementing substance abuse programming. One local facility that will benefit is the Illinois Youth Center at Harrisburg.

Congressman John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, said Wednesday that the youth center will receive federal funds totaling $254,785.

At Harrisburg, there is a three-phase substance abuse program for inmates that includes an orientation phase lasting one to four weeks; then a three- to nine-month intensive phase; and finally a one- to three-month pre-release phase.

The orientation includes: drug screening, assessment, introduction to the classes and setting treatment goals. The intensive phase includes social and life-skill building, physical and recreational development, counseling and personal development.

At the end of term, inmates are prepared for release including planning, reinforcement of skills and relapse prevention planning.

The program length is determined individually for participants, but can run between six and 12 months total. The funding helps establish and maintain these treatment programs; provide staff training and education; expand pre-treatment and orientation programs and expand screening and assessment programs.

"Teaching these youth how to become better and productive citizens after their release helps both them individually and all of us in society so that they do not return to the corrections system," Shimkus said.