JAIL'S DRUG TREATMENT SAVED MY SON

Six months ago my son was on the verge of self-destruction. Seriously
addicted to illegal drugs, I feared for his life.

As a result of this and some other poor choices, he was incarcerated at the
Middlesex County Adult Correction Center. After a period of withdrawal, he
was admitted to the relatively new Adult Substance Abuse Program, or ASAP.
This program was jointly developed by Warden Michael Abode and the
Middlesex County courts.

At a time when many police and other government agencies seem to be out of
control, it was comforting to see that my son was treated with respect and
dignity by the jail staff at Middlesex County.

Not once was he mistreated or abused. Never was he denied medical
treatment, proper nutrition or contact with his family or the outside world.

Through proper nutrition and medical attention, his health improved to a
degree I have not seen in him in many years.

It has been said that to punish a man is to injure him, and men are not
improved by injuries. However, to correct a man need not be injurious and
can improve him. This is exactly what corrections in the Department of
Corrections stands for.

As a result of counseling and other services provided by ASAP and the staff
at the corrections institute, I believe my son now has the opportunity to
stay off drugs and lead a productive life as a member of the community.

I believe Abode should be commended, as should the fine staff he oversees.
They provide a great service not only to those inmates needing help helping
themselves, but to the public and community as well.

James J. Hauck

East Windsor