GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN ADDICTIONS TREATMENT FOR OFFENDERS

The Government of Saskatchewan will invest nearly $1 million in
addictions treatment for offenders this year through an agreement
between Corrections, Public Safety and Policing (CPSP) and Regional
Health Authorities.

"Substance abuse is one of the major contributing factors to
offending," Corrections, Public Safety and Policing Minister Yogi
Huyghebaert said. "This funding will help keep our communities safe by
giving more offenders the chance to beat their addictions and become
productive members of society."

"This partnership will allow addictions treatment to meet the needs of
youth and young adults who are in custody and transitioning into the
community," Health Minister Don McMorris said.

A total of $858,000 will fund various substance abuse treatment
programs for offenders in both Adult Corrections and Young Offender
Programs for the 2009-10 fiscal year.

In Saskatchewan, approximately 80 per cent of offenders in custody and
60 per cent of offenders under community supervision have serious
problems resulting from frequent substance abuse.