Washblog

From the September 12th P-I:
"Twenty-eight people are expected to have their drug charges dismissed Wednesday when they become the largest graduating class yet in King County's Drug Court.  The program lets offenders avoid prison time by completing drug treatment, a concept aimed at helping prevent future arrests.  For the 28, it will save the state up to $1 million in prison costs, according to the King Couny Prosecutor's Office."

Why is this significant, and why am I celebrating?

Drug treatment has been severely underfunded in Washington State for years.  I should know. I was a lobbyist for drug treatment providers, until they had to cut my position, due to underfunding. The most recent legislature doubled the funding for treatment of needy individuals--to 40% of the need. Most of it was directed to drug court, because if its proven successes.

The state budget year started July 1st. The record crop of drug court graduates represents an investment in our future.

Chronic alcoholism is a major contributor to homelessness, along with other mental illness. To end homelessness, we need to provide substance abuse treatment to everyone who wants it, and also to those who need it but don't want it.  This is where drug court comes in.  The threat of a prison sentence motivates many.