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The Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act, also known
as Proposition 36, was passed by 61% of California voters
on November 7, 2000. This initiative allows first and
second time non-violent, simple drug possession offenders
the opportunity to receive substance abuse treatment instead
of incarceration. Proposition 36 allocates $120 million
annually for five and one half years to pay for treatment
services. However, due to the large disparity between
incarceration and treatment costs this initiative may
lead to cost savings.
On
January 1, 2001 the first allocation of $60 million
was distributed to all 58 California counties to prepare
the treatment system for the new influx of clients diverted
under Proposition 36. The California State Department
of Alcohol and Drug Programs has instituted a set of
emergency regulations to govern the Proposition 36 program,
as well as define how initiative funds may be used.
On July 1, 2001 Proposition 36 went into effect and
an additional $120 million was allocated to the counties.
To date a majority of the California counties are diverting
fewer offenders into Proposition 36 than originally
anticipated. However, as in the beginning of any new
program, the state and counties must wait and see how
many people will be able to take advantage of this diversion
system.
The
University of California at Los Angeles has been chosen
to run the required evaluation of Proposition 36. This
study will help state legislators determine the future
of the program after the first 5 years as mandated by
the voters of California. This study will also show
the overall impact that this program will have both
socially and financially.
Updated on: October 28, 2002
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