A new program to provide chemical dependence treatment to parole violators and decrease prison recidivism is being launched this week at Manhattan’s Edgecombe Residential Treatment Facility in a collaboration among four state agencies.

Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Commissioner Denise E. O’Donnell, Department of Correctional Services (DOCS) Commissioner Brian Fischer and Division of Parole (DOP) Chairman and CEO George B. Alexander joined with Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo Monday to formally open the facility.

OASAS Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo said, "We know that about 72 percent of state parolees have a substance abuse problem and effective treatment is the best way to help them return to their communities and not to prison. Addiction is a chronic illness that can be successfully treated so that people can lead full lives in recovery. We are extremely proud to partner with our criminal justice agencies to impact addiction in the lives of these men, their families and in the area of public safety."

The Technical Violator Parole Diversion Program (TVPDP) is available to men released from prison who are under parole or post-release supervision within the geographic boundaries of New York City. It will house up to 100 men for 30-day treatment programs that will be administered by OASAS staff until a provider from the region takes over the treatment duties.

The TVPDP is designed to provide intensive services to parole detainees with the aim of returning them to their communities and engage them in further addiction treatment. Each detainee will receive a full evaluation for treatment and an individual treatment plan will be developed.