Laserfiche WebLink
occurred during the time the County was planning the budget. After <br />New Horizons solved the problem, they approached the Council asking <br />for help to continue the in -jail substance abuse program. <br />Commissioner Adams asked whether the in -jail substance abuse <br />program is successful. <br />Cheryl Burke explained that it is a ten -week program. The <br />participants are males with substance abuse problems who have been <br />incarcerated repeatedly on charges related to illegal drugs. The <br />program is an intense treatment/rehabilitation program and the <br />family also gets involved. The cost of this program is less than <br />the financial burden on the County if these men were still on the <br />streets robbing and doing drugs. <br />Commissioner Adams was not impressed with the completion rate <br />of participants in the program. She was concerned that in some <br />cases the men were released from jail before completing the <br />program. She commended the Council and New Horizons for their work <br />but was concerned because we are spending taxpayers' money on this <br />program. <br />Commissioner Macht explained that the judicial system, under <br />the leadership of Judge L. B. Vocelle, coordinates with the jail <br />and the Sheriff to keep the prisoners in the program. The Sheriff <br />urges continuation of this program and indicates that the program <br />is operating fine. Commissioner Macht felt that this program is <br />effective and has a better rate of completion than programs in the <br />general field. He reported that he personally followed the <br />progress of one individual who completed the program and is <br />employed and doing fine one year later. Commissioner Macht has <br />confidence in the program. <br />Bill Nolley, substance abuse counselor at the jail, explained <br />that prisoners did not complete the program for various reasons. <br />Some were transferred out of the program into another area, some <br />transferred to Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Of the <br />prisoners who complete the program, one third of them recover, one <br />third relapse and eventually get back into treatment or recover, <br />and the other third die, stay in jail, or something of that nature. <br />He stressed that substance abuse is a deadly disease. The state <br />and federal governments audited our program, described it as a <br />model program, and refer it to other counties. <br />Commissioner Adams asked why the program is for males only, <br />and Mr. Nolley explained that there is no need for a program for <br />females at the present time. He assured the Board that when the <br />need arises, they will take care of the females, too. <br />Commissioner Adams asked, and OMB Director Joe Baird explained <br />that the revenues for the Drug Abuse Trust Fund come from fines <br />15 <br />NOV 161993 BOOK 91 FACE 19 <br />