BUDGET THREATENS GUN, DRUG PROGRAMS

Shortfall Could Shortchange Ex-Offenders

Programs aimed at reducing handgun violence and helping ex-offenders and
drug addicts are once again struggling to survive.

The programs - Pre-release and Post Incarceration Services, Virginia Exile
and Drug Court - faced possibly being eliminated last February when Gov.
Mark R. Warner requested that agencies cut their budgets because of a $3.8
billion shortfall. Much of the money was restored after program
administrators lobbied state legislators to come up with additional funding.

But now, with Warner's recent announcement of more cuts to make up for at
least a $1.5 billion shortfall, the three programs that all serve Hampton
Roads residents are again fighting to stay alive. Warner cut nearly $860
million last month to make up for the shortfall. When he meets legislators
in December, he's expected to announce another round of cuts that could
reach $1 billion.

The Department of Criminal Justice Services, which distributes state money
to the three programs, is only committing to fund up to 75 percent of the
$2.2 million that was budgeted for the last six months of the fiscal year,
beginning Jan. 1. But to receive that money, the programs must come up with
the balance in matching funds.

"We thought we had escaped the budget cuts," said Natale Ward, program
administrator for the Newport News Drug Court program. "But this is kind of
a backdoor thing," she said.

She said Drug Court would probably have to eliminate one counselor's
position and limit the number of people they accept into the program.
Currently, the counselors - two full time and one part time - provide
services to the 76 people in the Newport News program.

"We have to try to get the same level of quality with less," Ferguson said.

The state's 13 Drug Court programs require offenders to receive constant
supervision and testing, and appear regularly before a judge. Offenders
have to work or go to school full time, provide for their families, open
savings accounts and pay bills.

Supporters of the program say it's cheaper to help drug offenders through
Drug Court than to pay for jailing them. They say the intensity of the
program makes it less likely that an offender will commit another crime.

In fact, in the four years since Newport News launched its Drug Court
program, none of the 36 graduates has been arrested in connection with new
felony crimes, Ward said.

"Our retention rate is pretty high," she said. "The program is held in high
regard in the community."

Ward said she and other administrators are still unsure how the planned
cuts will affect their programs. And they're trying to figure out how they
can come up with the matching funds they need. There are stipulations on
the types of organizations that can offer matching grants.

Sandra Brandt, the executive director of Step Up, a Norfolk-based PAPIS
organization, believes that crime will rise if the state doesn't continue
support for the programs that help ex-offenders find jobs and housing.

"People are getting out of jail every day from state correctional
facilities. Many have no place to go and no place to turn to," Brandt said.

If ex-offenders don't have help finding housing or jobs, it's likely
they'll commit crimes again, she said.

"They could return to their old habits," Brandt said. She added that many
might find prison easier than a hard life on the streets. "They could say,
'At least I had three squares and a roof over my head.'"

Step Up, which has clients in Hampton and Newport News, is one of 11 PAPIS
organizations serving 83 communities in Virginia and 18,500 ex-offenders
each year.

Brandt said the various PAPIS groups are also trying to determine how
they'll come up with the matching funds they need. She said the groups are
asking congressmen to write the governor to call for the money to be restored.

The organizations also plan to ask congressmen to sponsor a bill so PAPIS
could be funded directly with federal money.

Suffolk Commonwealth's Attorney Phil Ferguson said he's optimistic that
local officials and state administrators will find a way to keep Virginia
Exile operating in Suffolk.

"It's been an outstanding program that provides a combination of a
prevention program and a prosecution program," Ferguson said.

Virginia Exile funds the hiring of additional prosecutors who specialize in
crimes involving illegal guns. The program makes it harder for suspects to
be released after posting bail and results in longer sentences upon
conviction. The money is also used to educate the public about Virginia Exile.

Ferguson said Suffolk needs a $13,000 grant for the half of the fiscal year
beginning Jan. 1.

"We will try to work with the state," Ferguson said. "We're talking about a
small amount of money."

Suffolk is one of three communities in Hampton Roads and one of 10
statewide that receives Virginia Exile funds.

Ferguson said his staff talks about Virginia Exile at schools, churches and
civic-group meetings and publicizes the program through advertising
campaigns. People who are arrested learn about the tougher laws through
probation officers, he said.

"It's a very necessary program," said Ferguson. "It's been extremely
helpful to the city. Whatever it takes, we'll make it work."