Pubdate: Wed, 20 Jul 2005 Source: Lexington Herald-Leader (KY) Copyright: 2005 Lexington Herald-Leader Contact: http://www.kentucky.com/mld/heraldleader/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/240 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) DRUG REHAB AT JAIL City Should Find Funds To Continue Program The non-profit Hope Center operates a drug-rehabilitation program at the Fayette County jail that needs $175,000 to stay open for another year. The Urban County Council should find the money to help. The state has allocated $57,000 for the program, but it can be awarded only if the city government matches it. A council committee is scheduled to consider that contribution next month. At less than three years old, it's too early to deem the drug-treatment program an unqualified success. However, Fayette Circuit Judge Sheila Isaac told the Herald-Leader in 2004 that prisoners have asked for more time in jail just to complete the program. She also has required completion of the program as a condition of release. As of July 1, the Hope Center, which primarily runs programs for the homeless, stopped taking new jail clients. All service will end by Sept. 30 unless the money can be found. The program, which helps turn addicts into people who contribute to the community, is a worthwhile investment in the well-being of Lexington. Addiction not only leads to crime but also to unemployment and homelessness, creating a greater strain on public resources. So it seems prudent to invest some money on the front end. Jails and prisons have increasingly become warehouses of criminals who have little chance at rehabilitation. Inmates get out of jail and relapse into the lifestyles that put them in jail in the first place. With the rehab program, the jail stops being just another revolving door. Making a real impact requires more than a nickel-and-dime approach to the program. The Hope Center and state and city officials should work together to find multi-year funding for the program so its impact can be adequately evaluated. If $175,000 a year helps repair lives and makes Lexington a safer community, it's a bargain price. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom