DRUG OFFENDERS GET SECOND CHANCE

Program Helps Clients Kick Habit, Stay Out Of Jail

For some, it's a great chance - maybe the last.

A few criminals who have been found guilty of substance abuse are given a
shot at rehabilitation in the Non-Secure Drug Treatment Program operated by
Keeton Corrections Inc. in Pensacola.

Brenda Parker, director of the local facility, said the company has a
contract with the Florida Department of Corrections and operates facilities
in Kentucky, Alabama, Tennessee and Florida. The Pensacola program, which
opened in the fall on Brent Lane, is licensed for 60 clients.

"Our clients are individuals who have been arrested more than once for
substance abuse," Parker said. "They are given the choice of coming here for
treatment of sitting in jail."

The program, designed to save lives, lasts for six months and has a zero
tolerance policy. The first two months are spent in intensive treatment and,
if there are no disciplinary problems, the clients may go into an employment
phase and work outside the facility, but return at night. Part of the money
earned goes into the system.

"Jack," 21, said he was on hard drugs before joining the Non-Secure Program.

"I lost everything, and I needed to get clean," he said. "I was on a mission
to kill myself, and I know this time I have to succeed here or die."

Karen Hall, corporate program director, said the program makes a difference
in people's lives.

"We are helping the entire community by rehabilitating these clients. Some
fail, but many do not go back in the system. Since the program's inception
in 1991, 63.3 percent of offenders successfully completing the treatment
program have avoided recommitment to supervision or prison."

Keeton Corrections CEO Kimberly Spence said, "I think we are needed in the
community and we are very viable. We save the state money on non- violent
offenders."

Keeton Corrections is paid $33.97 per day for each client. This can be
compared to an average of $48.15 per day for a prisoner in the Florida penal
institutions, she said.

Dennis Neilson of the Florida Department of Corrections is pleased with the
service performed in Pensacola.

"They have a great counseling staff here, and watching (the clients) blossom
is incredible."