The Sun raised many important points in its assessment of probation in Maryland, and I am pleased that it recognizes the promise of Break the Cycle, our new approach to supervising drug-addicted offenders ("Crime and no punishment," editorial, Nov. 19 and "Lieutenant governor hijacks probation," editorial, Nov. 20). But I must contend with the underlying premise that these reforms fall short because they ask too much of parole and probation. On the contrary, they will succeed precisely because they expect more -- both of the agents and of the offenders whom they supervise. [continues 803 words]
Substance abuse impacts the lives of every person who lives and works in Maryland, and it costs the state an estimated $5.5 billion a year. The Maryland Children's Action Network reports that children living in a home with addicted parents are more likely to be abused, more likely to be placed into foster care, and more likely to start using drugs themselves. On top of the destruction of individuals and families, addiction saps the lifeblood out of communities through street crime and domestic violence, unemployment and lost productivity. [continues 625 words]
