SD20 - Report of the Governor's Office for Substance Abuse Prevention


Executive Summary:
The Governor's Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (GOSAP) has been successful in its endeavors. GOSAP established pursuant to Chapter 249 of the 2000 Acts of Assembly is charged with assisting the Governor "in the coordination of the substance abuse prevention activities of the Commonwealth, review substance abuse prevention program expenditures by agencies of the Commonwealth, and determine the direction and appropriateness of such expenditures."

Budget

GOSAP (Agency Code 853) did not receive a general fund or FTE appropriation for FY2002. Office activities have been funded exclusively with non-general funds from two federal sources:

GOSAP Funding
Non-general - federal funds
State Incentive Grant (SIG) expires 9/30/03 - non-renewable
US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration $2,804,000 - Annually

Governor's Safe & Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (SDFSCA) - renewable
US Department of Education $ 2,025,817* - Annually

Total: $4,829,817 - Annually

*includes carry-over from previous years

GOSAP activities were not originally included in these program budgets. However, efficiencies in program administration produced sufficient funds to cover the personnel and administrative costs of the office.

Best Practices Model

GOSAP has developed a nationally recognized Best Practices Model for Substance Abuse Prevention that serves as a framework to achieve the legislative charge for the office. The Best Practices Model is distinctive among state prevention efforts in that it integrates science, policy and practice and is based upon scientific research, economic and business management principles. The advantage of the model is that it guides efficient and effective use of substance abuse prevention resources and directs practitioners and policy makers towards outcomes. The Commonwealth is among the leaders nationally in substance abuse prevention systems development.

State Incentive Grant

GOSAP is responsible for implementing the federally funded State Incentive Grant (SIG) the largest substance abuse prevention initiative in the history of the Commonwealth. With $9.0 million in federal grant funding, GOSAP coordinates the massive re-training and re-tooling of the prevention system in Virginia, oversees the implementation of $6.8 million in new, science-based programs, and will produce the first statewide Strategic Plan for Substance Abuse Prevention.

Governor's Safe and Drug-free Schools and Communities Act Funding

As curator of the Governor's Safe and Drug-free Schools and Communities Act (SDFSCA) funds, GOSAP has worked to foster innovative outcome oriented programs. These efforts have paid off with almost $1.0 million in SDFSCA funds invested in over 30 innovative projects/programs across the Commonwealth. Two funded programs have been deemed National Models by federal sources with more likely to be named this year. These are Virginia grown programs that are innovative and produce results. They will now be replicated across the country.

Youth Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Project (YADAPP)

"Changing Lives Through Leadership" was the theme of the 17th Annual Youth Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Project. YADAPP (pronounced "yay-dap") has served as the primary mechanism for training local community-based youth coalitions in effective strategies for developing school/community-based substance abuse prevention programs. The 600 attending youth, adult advisors, state and local law enforcement members, and community leaders develop positive leadership skills.

GOSAP Activities and Accomplishments for 2001:

• $6.8 million in funding to 20 community anti-drug coalitions serving 43 localities (one-in-three localities impacted by this funding).

• Developed and implemented, in partnership with James Madison University, Prevention Basics seminar and on-line course providing state-of-the-art prevention science training to community-based youth service workers as part of "Capacity Building" effort.

• SIG Advisory Council developed "Core Element" framework for the Statewide Substance Abuse Prevention Strategic Plan making the Commonwealth one of only a handful of states with a comprehensive substance abuse prevention plan.

• Nearly $1.0 million in Governor's SDFSCA funds has been awarded to 30 innovative, outcome oriented, programs or initiatives across the Commonwealth for FY2002.

• Two funded programs receive National Model program status - others in the pipeline.

• Regional workshops were provided to assist communities in applying for the SDFSCA Grant funds.

• State-of-the-art technical assistance and training has been provided/secured as needed for grant recipients.

• Held YADAPP conference - Changing Lives Through Leadership - at James Madison University in July 2001. Six hundred youth, adult advisors, state and local law enforcement members, and community leaders attended.

• Partnered with the Virginia Center for School Safety within the Department of Criminal Justice Services for logistical planning and support for YADAPP 2002.

• Comprised of representatives from the Departments of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Criminal Justice Services, Education, Motor Vehicles, and GOSAP, the YADAPP planning committee has initiated planning for YADAPP 2002.

• Made website, www.yadapp.com., more dynamic and useful as a means to disseminate information and inform participants of new developments.