CONGRESSIONAL UPDATE

LEGISLATION SUPPORTING FEDERAL FUNDS FOR JAIL-BASED TREATMENT (8/9/99)

Members of a conference committee have been named to work out the differences between the House and Senate juvenile justice bills. The Senate included language, which NCADD supports, to allow states to use federal funds for alcohol and other drug treatment in local and county jails.

BACKGROUND
Currently, states can use federal money to provide six-month treatment programs in prisons. The Senate bill, S. 254, would allow states to use money for three-month jail-based substance abuse treatment. Programs would be required to have been in existence for at least two years and must include drug testing. The House bill, HR 1501, did not include the same language.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
It is important to write to members of the conference committee (listed below) to urge them to include the Senate language in the final juvenile justice bill. See sample letter.

If you have any questions, please contact the Public Policy Office via e-mail at publicpolicy@ncadd.org.

Senate Conferees

House Conferees



Sample Letter
Dear Conferee:
(Name of agency) strongly urges you to maintain language in the final juvenile justice bill that will allow states to use federal funds for local and county jail-based treatment for substance abuse. The language, sponsored by Senator Richard Lugar, is included in Title XVI of Subtitle D in S. 254, but similar language is not contained in HR 1501.

We know that treatment works. If inmates with substance abuse problems are not identified and appropriately treated during incarceration, upon release they often lack the understanding and skills necessary to remain drug free. This significantly decreases their chances of revolving through the criminal justice system. Since so many people go through the local and county jails for short periods of time, it makes good sense to use that opportunity to intervene, identify and treat those with alcohol or other drug problems.

Senator Lugar's provision will expand the reach of treatment to individuals who are in jail for up to three months, giving the criminal justice system a greater ability to reduce crime. We would appreciate your support to maintain this important language in the final juvenile justice bill.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,