WILLARD, N.Y. (AP) -- Leaders of New York's drug treatment and criminal justice systems are launching a new initiative to help parolees with drug addictions.

The program is launching at the Willard Drug Treatment Campus in Seneca County as part of the Rockefeller Drug Law reforms signed this year by Governor David Paterson.

The center, operated by the Division of Correctional Services, has begun providing increased services to participating parolees.

This includes smaller group sessions and an intervention component for those who don't meet certain criteria for substance abuse.

Through these programs, approximately 850 parolees at Willard are taking a more active role in defining their own goals and state officials say that's a critical step to successful recovery.

The enhanced program also requires regularly scheduled, small group therapy sessions where a maximum of 18 participants at each session address problems that arise in day-to-day life in the prison.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)