Pubdate: Sun, 29 Dec 2002 Source: Maui News, The (HI) Copyright: 2002 The Maui News Contact: http://www.mauinews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2259 Author: Jon Kinimaka Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) EXPANDED DRUG COURT COULD CUT NEED FOR PRISONS Gov. Linda Lingle wants to bring back 1,200 Hawaii inmates from Mainland prisons. A unique alternative to incarceration for inmates sentenced on Maui for drug-related crimes has been in operation for over 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 urine analysis tests, 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 who 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 Hawaii'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 Hawaii's fasted 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 Lahaina - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk