What is the SAFPF program?

SAFPFs are substance abuse treatment facilities specifically designed for persons under felony community supervision who have been assessed as having a substance abuse problem. The typical SAFPF participant usually has a history of repeated treatment failures at lower levels on the continuum of treatment or cannot be treated in less secure environments due to a history of absconding or have a serious addiction and cannot abstain from continued drug use.

Phase one is when the defendant is placed in a TDCJ facility; defendants attend and participate in a substance dependency curriculum, which include cognitive/behavioral components. This initial phase is six to nine months. Upon completion of the initial phase in a secure facility, participants are placed in a residential transitional treatment center (TTC). If eligible, participants could participate in the 4-C program where they are allowed to return home while continuing intensive outpatient treatment instead of in a TTC facility. Supervision officers monitor compliance and utilize progressive sanctions to increase effectiveness of the residential or 4-C referral. 

During the second phase (three months), the focus remains on continuing treatment and making a successful transition to the community through finding employment, peer support, family reintegration. Participants will then begin attending SAFPF re-entry court (See Specialty Courts section for more information). If they are granted release under the 4-C program they will attend re-entry court immediately upon release.

During the third phase (nine-12 months), all participants are released to the community from the TTC to complete supportive outpatient treatment and to continue participation in the SAFPF re-entry court.

Special needs units address mental disorders as well as personality disorders, physical disabilities, medication and their interaction with substance abuse. Special needs clients will participate in the re-entry court program on a case-by-case basis.

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 (phases 2 and 3).
In addition to the defendant aftercare treatment and reporting requirements, the participants report a minimum of every two weeks on a court docket to meet with the judge and community supervision officer to discuss their progress. Successes are recognized through the use of incentives and rewards while violations are addressed consistently and quickly with court-administered graduated sanctions.
The measure of success for the program will be the ability of the graduates to remain free of illicit substances, alcohol and criminal activity. Addiction to alcohol and drugs tends to be a chronic condition that is prone to relapse. While this program is not a magic potion that “cures” everyone, this intensive SAFPF program has proven to be effective in resolving one of the primary causes of criminal behavior and personal destruction in the offender population.

Who is eligible for SAFPF?

• 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

Who is eligible for SAFPF Special Needs unit?

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

SAFPF Units

More of TDCJ SAFPF Units: TDCJ Unit Directory