Commissioner : Homer Bryson

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Offenders prepare to return to society

FORSYTH, Ga.– On March 10, Johnson State Prison held two graduation ceremonies for RSAT (Residential Substance Abuse Treatment) programs A & B. Program A had 31 graduates and Program B had 34 graduates.

“What an exciting day for Johnson State Prison and for the entire Department of Corrections,” said Commissioner Bryson. “Sixty-five men now have the tools they need to be successful when they re-enter society.” 

This nine-month program is provided by Spectrum’s Correctional Recovery Academy. Spectrum hosts a therapeutic community within the institution that provides structure and support to address criminal and addictive behaviors. The goal of the program is to reduce or eliminate drug and alcohol dependence and ensure a smooth reentry upon release. 

Offenders mandated to complete this program are transferred to Johnson from various facilities. After receiving their completion certificate, they are either sent back to their original facility or paroled. Of the 65 men who graduated, 19 were paroled.

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 https://gdc.georgia.gov.