SUBSTANCE ABUSE FELONY PUNISHMENT FACILITY (SAFPF)

Fort Worth Drug Abuse Attorneys

As criminal defense lawyers in Tarrant County, Texas, we are often asked about treatment options for our clients that are in need of rehabilitation for drug abuse. There are many programs available, but we get the most questions about the program administered by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice – the Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facility Program (SAFPF). We have listed some helpful information below:

What is the SAFPF program?

SAFPF is a substance abuse treatment facility designed for persons under felony probation or confinement that have been identified as having a substance abuse problem. The typical SAFPF participant has a history of repeated substance abuse treatment failures at lower levels of treatment. SAFPTF also has special needs units to address mental disorders as well as personality disorders, physical disabilities, medication and their interaction with substance abuse. Upon completion of the initial SAFPF phase in a secure confinement facility, participants typically enter a residential transitional treatment center (halfway house). During this second phase of SAFPF, the focus of treatment is on making a successful transition to the community through finding suitable employment, peer support, and family reintegration. Many counties also have a reentry court program that participants will begin to attend at this phase. During the third and final phase of SAFPF, participants are released to the community to complete an outpatient treatment program and to continue participation in the SAFPF re-entry court.

What is the SAFPF Re-entry Court?

The SAFPF re-entry court is a specialized drug court for SAFPF graduates during the aftercare portion of the SAFPF program. Participants in the Re-entry Court report at least every two weeks on a Re-entry Court docket to meet with the supervising judge, community supervision (probation) officer and treatment provider. Success is recognized and rewarded through incentives, while violations are addressed consistently and swiftly with court administered sanctions. The measure of success for the program is the ability of the graduates to remain free of both substance abuse and criminal activity. Addiction to drugs and alcohol is typically a chronic condition prone to relapse. While this program is certainly not a “magic potion” that “cures” participants, the SAFPF program has proven to be effective in resolving one of the primary causes of criminal behavior and personal destruction in the offender population. Successful completion of SAFPF has shown to make a marked difference in the lives of offenders and their families.

Who is eligible for SAFPF?

To be eligible for SAFPF, the offender must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be screened for eligibility prior to admission
  • Assessed as needing restrictive and intensive substance abuse treatment services
  • Any felony, except sex offenses or violent offenses
  • Regular or deferred community supervision
  • No pending charges or detainer
  • Exhibit no signs of acute alcohol or drug withdrawal and has been detoxified
  • Must be physically and mentally capable of participation
  • Must be court ordered

For SAFPF Special needs units:

  • Current Axis 1 diagnosis, or
  • Must have a medical condition requiring additional services, or
  • Must have severe mobility impairment

Where is SAFPF?

SAFPF is part of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Institutional Division. SAFPF Units in Texas include:

  • East Texas Treatment Unit (Male), Henderson, Texas
  • Estelle Unit (Special Needs/Male), Huntsville, Texas
  • Hackberry Unit (Special Needs/Female), Gatesville, Texas
  • Halbert Unit (Female), Burnet, Texas
  • Henley Unit (Special Needs/Female), Dayton, Texas
  • Jester I Unit (Special Needs/Male), Richmond, Texas
  • Johnston Unit (Male), Winnsboro, Texas

SAFPF Attorneys | Drug Abuse Defense Lawyers

If you or a loved one is involved in a criminal case as a result of drug or alcohol addiction and you would like to learn more about SAFPF or other rehabilitative options, please contact us at (817) 993-9249 for a free consultation of your case.

FORT WORTH

Primary Location
209 W. 8th St
Fort Worth, TX 76102
817.993.9249

KELLER

*By Appointment Only
101 Quest Court
Keller, Texas 76248
817.482.6770