$750,000 SOUGHT FOR DRUG TREATMENT

Ventura County supervisors on Tuesday will be asked to authorize a $750,000
plan to provide mandated drug treatment for first- and second-time drug
offenders.

Officials in the county's mental health and law enforcement agencies have
been meeting since February to design a program that complies with
Proposition 36, a statewide voter-approved initiative that requires
treatment instead of incarceration for many drug-related crimes.

It is estimated that 3,500 Ventura County offenders will participate in
treatment services each year. The Board of Supervisors will consider
approving contracts with two firms to provide counseling and drug testing.
Treatment options range from six to 18 months of rehabilitation. An
offender must demonstrate drug and alcohol abstinence for the last 90 days
of the program.