Report Title:

KASHBOX Substance Abuse Treatment Program; Offender Transitional Services Centers; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds for the expansion of the KASHBOX substance abuse treatment program at Waiawa correctional facility and the creation of offender transitional services centers. (SD1)

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

3084

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to corrections.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that an overwhelmingly large number of individuals incarcerated in Hawaii's correctional facilities have a history of substance abuse. The legislature further finds that heavy users need intensive treatment while incarcerated if they are to successfully return to the community. However, currently, the department of public safety offers only two intensive substance abuse treatment programs for incarcerated individuals, the KASHBOX program for men and the Ho`omana program for women.

The KASHBOX program is a substance abuse treatment program operated at the Waiawa correctional facility on Oahu that has shown success in the rehabilitation of incarcerated substance abusers. KASHBOX is an acronym representing the key features of the program — knowledge, attitude, skills, habits, behavior, opinion, and the unknown "x" factor. The goal of the KASHBOX program is to effect a total change in lifestyle, which will allow individuals to live comfortably as sober, productive members of the community. The new lifestyle is characterized by abstinence from illicit substances, elimination of anti-social activity, employability, and the assumption of pro-social values and attitudes. The KASHBOX program may also help to reduce prison overcrowding by reducing recidivism rates of substance abusers. It is important that an evaluation be completed to measure the impact of the program on substance abuse relapse and recidivism.

Treatment in the KASHBOX program is based upon a therapeutic community model supported by the fellowships of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Through this model, a learning environment is created through which the following elements are addressed:

(1) Awareness by the inmate that the inmate is dependent on drugs or alcohol;

(2) Education about the effects of substance abuse;

(3) Integration of the individual's emotions, perceptions, attitudes, and values;

(4) Development of a strategy for each individual for overcoming the obstacles to recovery;

(5) Identification of situations which promote relapse and development of skills for relapse prevention;

(6) Support from peers, staff, and family; and

(7) Self-validation.

The legislature also finds that Waiawa correctional facility is a minimum-security facility that houses inmates who are not a flight risk and nearing the end of their sentence. KASHBOX is not available to inmates housed in higher security institutions, such as Halawa correctional facility, who are often precluded from transfer due to a medical condition or lack of space available. Therefore, the opportunity to obtain treatment through participation in the KASHBOX program does not extend to many inmates who may be serious substance abusers. These inmates are likely to return to prison for technical substance abuse violations or other convictions after release while on parole, further exacerbating the State's overcrowded prison system.

Treatment does not stop once the inmate completes the KASHBOX program. Experience and research have shown that long-term recovery is a process that must include not only the initial intensive treatment episode offered by KASHBOX and the Ho`omana programs, but continued follow-up out-patient and aftercare services. Without these additional services, the effectiveness of the intensive treatment program is seriously compromised. Therefore, it is essential that the entire continuum of treatment services, from in-facility to the community, be in place to promote the successful reintegration of offenders. To achieve this, services must be available when inmates are placed on parole. The range of services should include transitional housing, outpatient treatment, and aftercare. In addition, collateral services such as job development and financial counseling are necessary to accommodate individual offender needs.

Without these transitional services, the likelihood the inmates will violate parole and/or commit new crimes is increased. The cost to the community for these relapses into criminal behavior is great. Victimization can scar a person for life; the cost of crime is measured in emotional, physical, and financial terms. The cost to the State is a greater investment into correctional institutions, which diverts money away from other programs that have the potential to prevent crimes, such as education, mental health services, and other related social services. It is well worth the effect to invest in reintegration programs that can reduce recidivism.

This Act will provide for offender transitional services centers that offer one-stop wrap around services to help inmates exiting incarceration through the parole process. Staff at these centers will assist offenders in locating housing, job readiness and seeking, assessment and referral to substance abuse treatment programs, and other supportive social services.

The overwhelming need for substance abuse treatment for inmates necessitates the expansion of programs and opportunities to reach a greater number of incarcerated substances abusers and those transitioning into the community. The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the expansion of the KASHBOX substance abuse treatment program at the Waiawa correctional facility and the establishment of offender transitional services centers.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $          , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2004-2005, for staffing, equipment, and other operating expenses for the expansion of the KASHBOX substance abuse treatment program at the Waiawa correctional facility.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $          , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2004-2005, for staffing, equipment, and other operating expenses for the establishment of offender transitional services centers.

SECTION 4. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of public safety for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2004.