February 14, 2006

Dear Editor:

The members of the Association of Private Correctional and Treatment Organizations (APCTO) have great interest in Governor Kempthorne's proposal to build a 400-bed drug treatment program in the state. We share the Governor's conviction that providing adequate treatment, education, and rehabilitation to offenders is the best way to close the revolving door to our prison systems and reduce recidivism.

This year more than 650,000 offenders will be released from U.S. prisons and as the saying goes, "they are all coming to a neighborhood near you." Without proper treatment in prison, adequate community-based transitional services, and ongoing substance abuse treatment and counseling, most of these offenders will be back in the criminal justice system in very short order.

Because of APCTO's commitment to treatment, many of our members will be interested in this opportunity. We urge the Governor and the Legislature to issue a request for a proposal to allow qualified providers the opportunity to bid on the project. In doing so, Idaho will receive the benefit of the highest quality service provided in the most cost-effective manner.

Sincerely,
 

 
Michael T. LoBue, Executive Director
Association of Private Correctional and Treatment Organizations
www.apcto.org

http://www.idahostatesman.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060211/NEWS06/602110328&SearchID=73235822429301

ARTICLE PUBLISHED FEB 11, 2006

A 400-bed alternative drug treatment center will be built in the Treasure Valley, the Department of Correction board decided unanimously Friday.

The location is very likely to stand, according to a key budget lawmaker, but the chairman of the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee said he might try to make a plea to move it elsewhere.

"There was strong support for this treatment center to be built in various regions of the state, and I appreciate that support," said Correction Director Tom Beauclair, who said previously that Lewiston might be considered.

"But 65 percent of our offenders are from the Treasure Valley region," Beauclair explained.

Key lawmakers said they knew the department was considering the Treasure Valley as a possible site for the first center, and that other facilities will likely be built in other parts of the state if it is successful.

"I think their motive was where can we get this first one up and running the quickest," said Sen. Dean Cameron, R-Rupert, co-chair of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee. "It might help narrow down who the bidders might be, if they know where the facility is located."

The governor has requested $8.2 million to assist with private construction and management of the 400-bed Correctional Alternative Placement Program, with $1.5 million for initial costs this year. Out-of-state companies have already met with the department on at least three occasions to discuss building and maintaining the facility.

Last week, the co-chairs and vice-chairs of JFAC and the judiciary and rules committees met with Beauclair and gave him the go-ahead to start the bidding process. At the time, Beauclair mentioned the Treasure Valley as a site he was considering.

Cameron said he was surprised that the department made the announcement so early, but that his committee would likely honor the decision.

Sen. Denton Darrington, R-Declo, Chairman of the Judiciary and Rules Committee, who presents his own recommendations to JFAC next week, said he may mention his disappointment with the location.

"I don't think the site is set in stone," Darrington said. "I'm not especially pleased about the Treasure Valley, but I support the decision to build the facility."

CAPP would provide a 24-hour intensive drug treatment program to inmates, re-offenders and those entering probation or parole.

The facility is estimated to cost about $48 a day per prisoner, including building costs. That is about the same as the state's prisons cost per inmate, and about $5 cheaper per day per prisoner than sending drug abusers out of state.

Once the program starts working, it will decrease costs as it reduces the number of re-offending drug abusers, Beauclair said.