Pubdate: Tue, 28 Mar 2006
Source: Leader-Telegram (Eau Claire, WI)
Copyright: 2006 Eau Claire Press
Contact: http://www.cvol.net/contacteditor.htm#editorform
Website: http://www.leadertelegram.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/236
Author: Bruce Willett

DRUG COURTS WORKING

As noted in recent articles published in the Wisconsin Law Journal
and the La Crosse Tribune, the La Crosse County Drug Court indicates
an annual financial savings of more than $1.4 million. An evaluation
recently concluded by UW-La Crosse sociology professor Bill Zollweg
shows the program is doing a good job of turning drug addicts into
productive citizens.

While dollar savings are impressive, Jane Klekamp, justice sanctions
coordinator, said she is impressed with the intangible benefits of
the program, stating, "There is no way to put a price on what it
means to reunite families fractured by drug abuse and crime, or the
impact of seeing the dramatic change in people who were once
seriously addicted."

Eau Claire Judge Lisa Stark concurs with the idea that rehabilitating
lives - felons and "hard-core" addicts - is more dramatic and
satisfying than merely saving money. The La Crosse County Drug Court
was established four years ago, while the Eau Claire County Drug
Court, one of only five in Wisconsin, is in its second year of
operation. La Crosse County has 50 participants, but Eau Claire
County Drug Court only has 20 because of fiscal limitations. However,
the savings between the two programs are comparable.

Annual prison costs in Wisconsin are about $25,000 per inmate, versus
$7,533 for Drug Court in Eau Claire. This program is one alternative
to prison that could be expanded greatly if money were available.
However, the Taxpayer Protection Amendment proposed by state
legislators could jeopardize existing non-mandated services, much
less curtail the expansion of treatment programs.

BRUCE WILLETT

Chairman, Eau Claire County Board