Pubdate: Tue, 16 Mar 2004 Source: Flint Journal (MI) Copyright: 2004 Flint Journal Contact: http://www.flintjournal.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/836 Author: Shantell M. Kirkendoll, Journal Staff Writer Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) DEAL TO KEEP DRUG ADDICTS OUT OF JAIL AND IN TREATMENT Genesee County - Drug addicts who get arrested no longer will have to wait for treatment or have their treatment shortened, thanks to a deal to provide them with ready access to counseling. The county became one of the first in Michigan three years ago to offer "drug courts," which divert addicts from jail and get them into treatment. But the waiting list for treatment was as long as four weeks, allowing time for offenders to continue their lifestyle. In order to cut the wait, Genesee Circuit Court has agreed to a $175,000 contract with the county Health Department to arrange counseling for drug offenders. The Health Department will develop a proposal this month to contract and monitor treatment services for drug offenders, said Kristie Schmiege, director of behavioral health services. The department already doles out state money to drug-abuse treatment agencies. "Drug court clients, along with any other person using public money for drug treatment, were subject to waits," Schmiege said, the exception being Medicaid clients. "Public funds for substance abuse is way behind our needs. But the court has been able to carve out a different funding stream to hold slots for them." The program is financed with federal substance-abuse block grants and some state money, and as many as 100 people will be served in a year, said Diane Melton, drug court administrator. Judges can refer nonviolent drug offenders to the county's Intake and Referral Assessment Center, where it's determined if they need in-house treatment or outpatient counseling. The offender has a choice among 25-30 treatment centers. Under the new agreement, the Health Department will contract with agencies to which offenders will be assigned. The total number of county drug offenders is unclear, but an estimated 40 percent of the county's 2,400 to 2,500 annual felony arrests are drug-related. "In these economic times, people have come to realize that incarcerating people is expensive," said Circuit Judge Richard B. Yuille. "Then there are those who believe people addicted to drugs shouldn't have been (in jail) in the first place. This program addresses both those concerns." - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager