Drug Offender Reform Act Smarter Sentencing + Smarter Treatment = Better Outcomes and Safer Neighborhoods

What is DORA? A change in public policy Offenders with drug problems are identified early Drug treatment options are expanded in the community and in correctional facilities Crime is reduced Victims are spared

Why Do We Need DORA? 85% of offenders have a drug problem that drives their criminal behavior Our prison system is at capacity Treatment works

Drugs & Alcohol Linked to Tragedy 62% of assaults 52% of rapes 80% of child abuse 50% of spousal abuse 20-35% of suicides 69% of drownings 49% of murders 50% of traffic fatalities 68% of manslaughter charges

What is Smarter Sentencing? Occurs when judges have more information to craft better sentences. Under DORA, judges know an offender’s drug history. Treatment is not mandatory, but becomes more readily available.

How Does DORA Save Me Money? $3,500 for treatment vs. $24,000 for a prison bed Decreased crime = decreased criminal justice and victim costs Increase in employment for treated offenders

How Does DORA Create Safer Neighborhoods? Upon Completion of Treatment: Dramatic decrease in criminal activity Substantial increase in abstinence for alcohol and drugs Increase in stabile living environments

The DORA Approach Represents a Shift in Public Policy

The DORA Process Arrest Drug Screening Drug & Risk Assessment* Drug Addiction and Crime Cycle Broken Recommend Treatment Drug problem? High risk? Recommend Incarceration Offender Sentenced Treatment Provided PSI * Drug Assessment is the Addictions Severity Index (ASI) the Risk Assessment is the Level of Supervision Inventory (LSI)

DORA’s Treatment Strategy How Does it Work?

How Does Addiction Happen? Drugs cause long and short-term changes in the brain Drugs hamper a person’s ability to make correct decisions and control compulsive behavior Treatment helps offenders correct their behaviors, confront the problems associated with drug use, and recover from addiction.

How Does Treatment Work? RESIDENTIAL INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT AFTERCARE & RELAPSE PREVENTION Severe addiction Serious addiction Dependent Completed treatment Screening and Assessment Decreased Intensity of Service

The 3-year DORA Plan Phasing in a New Way of Doing Business

YEAR 1YEAR 2YEAR 3 screen drug offenders 1,600 treated $6.3 on-going Screen all offenders Assess, if needed, for addiction severity Assess for risk to community 3,349 treated4,479 treated $12.1 on-going$16.7 on-going

Is it Worth $16.7 million? Yes! Treatment Works

Economic Impact The costs associated with these offenders Justice system Medical system Public assistance Work-related Victimization

The Costs Savings Every tax dollar spent on treatment produces $5.60 in avoided costs to the taxpayer.

Summary of Recommendations Eventually screen and assess all offenders over a 3-year phase-in. Provide appropriate level of treatment services and new treatment slots. Evaluate our efforts. Realize cost savings by avoiding repeated incarceration costs and further victimization.