Pubdate: Fri, 27 Dec 2002 Source: Honolulu Advertiser (HI) Contact: 2002 The Honolulu Advertiser, a division of Gannett Co. Inc. Website: http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/195 Author: Jon Kinimaka Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) EARLY RELEASE INCENTIVE IDEAL FOR DRUG OFFENDERS Gov. Linda Lingle wants to bring back 1,200 inmates from Mainland prisons. A unique alternative to incarceration for inmates sentenced on Maui for drug-related crimes has been in operation for more than a year. Maui inmates are placed on early release, via 90 days of in-custody drug treatment in Dorm 3 at The Maui Community Correctional Center. Treatment for these inmates continues while released from custody on early parole, or while furloughed into Community Drug Court supervision for up to a year with weekly visits to the Drug Court judge. Treatment consists of daily urinalysis testing, one-on-one and group counseling, relapse prevention, cognitive restructuring, life skills training, educational and vocational training and other rehabilitative services for these men and women that are caught up in the cycle of drugs, crime and prison. Such a reintegration program on an early release incentive is ideal for drug offenders who make up more than half of Hawai'i's 5,500 inmate population. Statewide expansion of Maui's model re-entry program will reduce prison overcrowding and reduce the recidivism rate for parole violators who represent Hawai'i's fastest growing inmate population. Drug Courts are proven to be the most successful way to treat drug offenders. Jon Kinimaka Friends of The Maui Drug Court - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk