Sarasota County
Implementation Plans
FY 2024-2025 Plan
The Lightshare Behavioral Wellness & Recovery, Inc. has developed the RESTORE program to address the issue of jail overcrowding in the Sarasota County Correctional Facility (SCCF), particularly among inmates with substance abuse or co-occurring disorders. The SCCF has been operating over capacity since 2008, with a significant portion of its population experiencing substance abuse issues, a situation that has been worsening over the years.
The RESTORE program targets low-level, felony male inmates aged 18 and older with a history of opioid or substance abuse, or co-occurring disorders, offering them a structured residential program to promote recovery and lifestyle changes. The program includes a primary track of a 120-day intensive program and a secondary track for those awaiting long-term treatment, covering various treatments and support services. Funding for the program comes from opioid settlement funds, with a total allocation of $2,762,502. The funds are designated for evidence-based treatment and recovery support within the criminal justice system, focusing on individuals with opioid use disorders (OUD) and co-occurring substance use and mental health (SUD/MH) disorders.
The implementation plan outlines a schedule for full program implementation and continuous operation throughout 2024, with regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure effectiveness. The implementation plan aims to utilize the opioid settlement funds effectively by investing in treatment, recovery, and law enforcement support to mitigate the impact of the opioid crisis in Sarasota County. By prioritizing treatment for incarcerated individuals with OUD and co-occurring disorders, the plan seeks to reduce jail overcrowding and support the reintegration of offenders into the community. Regular monitoring and evaluation, along with a dedicated contract manager, will ensure the program’s success and necessary adjustments.
This summary captures the essence of the original text by focusing on the key aspects of the RESTORE program, its objectives, funding, and implementation strategy. It highlights the program’s targeted approach to addressing the specific needs of a vulnerable segment of the inmate population, the strategic use of opioid settlement funds, and the structured plan for monitoring and evaluation to ensure the program’s effectiveness and alignment with community goals.