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| Treatment waiting list prevents parole for Alabama inmates |
| By Join Together |
| Published: 02/23/2004 |
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A long waiting list for drug treatment means many nonviolent drug offenders in Alabama are being denied parole. As a result, the state has been unable to ease prison overcrowding and reduce incarcerations costs, the Associated Press reported Feb. 17. "We certainly could always use more programs and more staff and more resources for addressing substance-abuse problems and issues," said Ron Cavanaugh, director of treatment for the state Department of Corrections. An estimated 7,000 inmates are now waiting for drug treatment. Of the 1,896 cases heard since December by the state Board of Pardons and Paroles, 879 inmates are eligible for parole. However, the board is not releasing qualifying inmates if they haven't completed their required drug rehabilitation. "If you involve yourselves in drugs, period, you've got to try to get involved in treatment," said Parole Board Chairman Sidney Williams. Currently, the corrections system has 57 drug-treatment programs for its 27,000 prisoners. However, Cavanaugh said the wait time can be up to six months for an eight-week program. |
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