(Washington, DC)- Today Senator Herb Kohl and Congresswoman Gwen Moore announced that they have secured $400,000 in federal funding in the Science-State-Justice-Commerce Appropriations bill (H.R. 2862) for Wisconsin's Fourth Congressional District.  The funds will enable the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's (UWM) Center for Addiction and Behavioral Research (CABHR) to start a jail-based program in partnership with the Milwaukee County Criminal Justice Facility to address the alcohol and drug use disorders experienced by women in jail as well as making the transition to community living.

"Substance abuse treatment is an important step for many making the transition from prison to the outside world," said Senator Kohl.  "These federal funds will develop effective solutions to help women in prison deal with their substance abuse and will help them as they return to our community."

"Studies estimate that 70 percent of people in state prisons need substance abuse treatment, but 45 percent of those facilities do not offer any kind of treatment," said Congresswoman Moore. "If we want to give these women the best chance for success upon leaving prison, we need to assure them a clean, addiction-free start."

UWM will work with jail staff and community-based practitioners to develop and implement the initial program.  UWM will then establish an extension program for women transitioning from jail to community living and expand the general program to other correctional facilities.  Serving an estimated 1000 women per year, the initiative will screen incoming inmates and determine the best treatment option for them.  In addition to its local impact, it is expected that the initiative will result in models and strategies that may help communities across the nation.

UWM is working with several local, state, and national partners on this program, including the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Wisconsin Correctional Services, Horizons, Inc. the American Jail Association, and Milwaukee Women's Center.

H.R. 2862, the Science-State-Justice-Commerce Appropriations bill, passed the House on Wednesday, November 9 and is expected to pass the Senate prior to Thanksgiving before going to the President's desk for his signature.

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For an interview with Congresswoman Gwen Moore, please contact Ashley Glacel at 202-225-4572.

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