Pubdate: Sun, 25 Nov 2007 Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (GA) Copyright: 2007 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Contact: http://www.ajc.com/opinion/content/opinion/letters/sendletter.html Website: http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/28 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n1340/a04.html Author: Laurel Sue Mason TREATMENT, JOBS ARE WHAT'S NEEDED I wholeheartedly applaud the federal government for trying to reduce sentencing for crack-cocaine sales and possession convictions. However, the problem continues and grows when they are released into the community with minimal resources to tap in terms of treatment and employment. As a parole substance-abuse counselor for many years, I am well aware that the government is not real keen on treatment. Treatment options are meager and haphazard. Long waiting lists for more intense treatment discourage any spark of hope in terms of "rehabilitating" those with a penchant for addiction. And as far as employment for those with a drug conviction, the few above-minimum-wage choices usually send them into the construction sector, which is rife with drug use. And let's not forget the discrimination from the federal food stamp program. (No food stamps to drug offenders). When a drug-convicted parolee can't pay their bills or feed their families, they return to the streets since that's what they know best. And the cycle continues. These parolees need wrap-around services to include most importantly addiction and /or mental health treatment, education, job training and placement. Many of the parolees I counsel have never been "habilitated" let alone "rehabilitated." It's no wonder the rate of recidivism is so high. I am one of their voices calling out their needs that can utlimately benefit the society in which we live. LAUREL SUE MASON Monticello - --- MAP posted-by: Steve Heath