SHATTERED LIVES: OUR PRISONS ARE FULL OF THEM; WHAT TO DO?

It's difficult to determine how much substance abuse, domestic
violence and untreated mental illnesses cost the state. There are
broken lives, shattered children and a prison system packed with
offenders who may need treatment as much as imprisonment. A panel
appointed by Gov. Brad Henry and Attorney General Drew Edmondson is
exploring these issues and trying to paint a comprehensive and
unprecedented picture of what they cost Oklahoma in the public and
private sectors. Then, the task force will recommend how we as a state
can do better.

If the preliminary report is any indication, the final report should
spur serious discussion and action. Two University of Oklahoma
researchers estimated about $1 billion of the $1.6 billion a year
spent on criminal justice is associated with mental illness, substance
abuse and domestic violence.

The initial report examines only issues from a criminal-justice cost
perspective. But it certainly supports the need to continue exploring
alternative sentencing, like mental health and drug courts, to help
ease an overburdened corrections system.

In their report, the researchers wrote: "The bottom line is that
Oklahomans will expend more than one billion dollars pursuing,
arresting, trying and incarcerating individuals who recklessly pursue
the immediate gratification of drug use or alcohol abuse; have mental
and behavioral problems that may or may not be 'fixable'; and/or have
aberrant behavior patterns and twisted values that lead to the
physical, mental and emotional abuse of those closest to them.

"It is far too easy and glib to say, 'Let's have a prevention
program.'" They're right. There's no easy solution. Ideally, new and
creative approaches would not only save money but also curb the
devastating, emotional price tag for Oklahomans dealing with mentally
ill family members, or those with drug and violence problems.

The task force's challenge is mammoth, but certainly important and
worthwhile.