Immediate Release

49 Detainees Graduate from the Inaugural Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Program at Bleckley RSAT

Graduates Return to Society

FORSYTH, Ga. – On April 27, 49 detainees completed the first RSAT class hosted at Bleckley RSAT in Cochran, Ga. During the graduation ceremony, three of the detainees also received their GED.

“I am so proud of these graduates of this inaugural class. They are setting the standard for future graduates to come,” Said Commissioner Bryson. “I am confident they are returning to society rehabilitated and prepared to be law-abiding citizens.”

This nine-month program began at Bleckley RSAT in August 2015. The graduate’s complete four, nine-week phases. Phase one: orientation; phase two: active phase; phase three: re-entry; and phase four: exit phase. Upon completion, detainees return to society.

The program targets high risk, high needs offenders nearing release. It places detainees in an intensive, therapeutic treatment community that incorporates process and psycho-educational groups, individual counseling, work details, and vocational education. The program also offers students the opportunity to complete their GED if they have not already.

For more information on the Department’s RSAT programs visit: http://www.dcor.state.ga.us/Research/Fact_Sheets/Info_Sheets_SubstanceMentalHealthPrograms.pdf

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5248 or visit gdc.ga.gov.