Sherman: House Approves Federal Aid for Phoenix Academy

Washington, D.C. - The House voted Thursday for a proposal by Congressman Brad Sherman to expand long-term substance abuse programs for adolescents at Phoenix Academy in Lake View Terrace.

The project was included in a bill to fund the Justice Department and other federal agencies that the House approved and sent to the Senate.

Phoenix Academy is the only facility in Los Angeles County that provides long-term residential treatment for teenagers with drug and alcohol problems.

The funding would be used to increase the number of residential beds for those who cannot afford specialized treatment.

œIt is only because of committed legislators like Congressman Sherman that Phoenix Academy is able to help hundreds of Los Angeles most needy youth and their families each year, said Elizabeth Stanley-Salazar, managing director of Phoenix Academy in Lake View Terrace. œBecause of Brad Shermans support, Phoenix Academy is going to be able to help many more troubled teens turn their lives around.

Phoenix Academy is part of a network of 29 drug-treatment facilities throughout California and others across the country.

The academys one-year residential substance abuse treatment program is followed by a year of aftercare for adolescents with drug, alcohol, and behavioral issues. The substance-abuse treatment is combined with a course of academic study coordinated with the residents home school and directed by experienced, state-licensed teachers.

Sherman made helping the academy a top priority in a request to the House Appropriations Committee.

Along with Reps. Jane Harman and Grace Napolitano, Sherman sought $1.5 million, but the exact amount of the federal contribution wont be specified until later in the congressional appropriations process. œI believe that when the process is completed we will secure significant federal funds, Sherman said.