Pubdate: Tue, 28 Nov 2000
Source: Ukiah Daily Journal (CA)
Copyright: 2000, Ukiah Daily Journal
Contact:  590 S. School St. Ukiah, CA 95482
Fax: (707) 468-5780
Website: http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/
Author: Glenda Anderson, The Daily Journal
Bookmark: For Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act items 
http://www.mapinc.org/prop36.htm

EFFECT OF NEW DRUG LAW UNCERTAIN

It has its shortcomings, but a new law requiring that people convicted of 
personal drug use get treatment instead of jail time generally is a good 
thing, according to county Alcohol and Other Drug Programs Director Ned Walsh.

"I think it's good news," he said of Proposition 36, which was 
overwhelmingly approved by voters this month.

However, "it doesn't recognize that the current treatment system couldn't 
take that influx" of new patients, he said.

Walsh said county officials have until mid 2001 to prepare and he's hoping 
that will be enough time to hire new staff and move the offices, which 
eventually are expected to be housed at Ukiah Valley Medical Center's 
former Dora Street facility.

He said it's not easy to find qualified drug and alcohol counselors here or 
the rest of the state.

Another perceived bug in the new law is funding.

Critics say the $120 million a year provided by Proposition 36 is inadequate.

They note a state Legislative Analyst report that said the state needs 
another $330 million to provide adequate treatment to those who need it.

However, that study included all people who need treatment, not just those 
who are busted for personal drug use or possession, Walsh said.

He noted anyone arrested on any other criminal charges, such as assault or 
drugs for sale, are not eligible for diversion to treatment under 
Proposition 36.

The state report also indicated California currently has programs that 
reach only 16 percent of adults and 10 percent of youth who need treatment, 
Walsh said.

Walsh said he doesn't know how much money Mendocino County will get at this 
point, but, based on the way other grants have been divvied up, he guesses 
it could be around $500,000.

"That's a real rough guess," he said.

His department's treatment programs currently get about $2 million a year.

While the funding may be short of what's needed, "it's certainly better 
than what we have," Walsh said.

There are other points that need to be worked out as well, he said.

They include the amount of money the Probation Department will need and get 
in order to monitor the people who are shunted into drug treatment programs.

Those, and other issues, are being discussed by the various government 
officials who will be dealing with the new law's repercussions.

Proposed changes are expected to be made by the state Legislature, which 
could amend the law with a two-thirds vote, Walsh said.

"We'd like to tweak it a little bit in some areas," he said.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D