An Overview of the Treatment Not Jail Act: Everything You Need to Know
People with substance use disorders often end up in the criminal justice system because of their addiction, leading to inadequate treatment and relapse. However, with the Treatment Not Jail Act, individuals can have access to evidence-based treatment instead of incarceration. In this article, we will discuss the act, its benefits, and the impact it has had.
What is the Treatment Not Jail Act?
The Treatment Not Jail Act is a legislative bill that aims to provide access to addiction treatment instead of punishment. This act recognizes that addiction is a chronic disease that cannot be solved by simply putting individuals in jail. It is a bipartisan bill that invests in public health and safety by emphasizing evidence-based treatment rather than punishment.
How does the Act work?
The Treatment Not Jail Act allows courts to divert eligible individuals to treatment instead of incarceration. Eligible individuals are those who have committed non-violent, drug-related offenses and are low-level offenders. This act aims to break the cycle of addiction, incarceration, and recidivism by connecting individuals with substance use disorders with treatment resources.
What are the benefits of the Act?
The Treatment Not Jail Act has numerous benefits, both for individuals and society as a whole. By diverting individuals to treatment instead of incarceration, they have access to evidence-based treatment that can help them achieve and maintain recovery. This approach reduces the number of individuals in jail with substance use disorders, which also reduces the strain on the criminal justice system. Additionally, it can save taxpayers money by reducing the costs associated with incarceration.
What is the impact of the Act?
The Treatment Not Jail Act has had a significant impact in states where it has been implemented. In California, for example, Proposition 36 was passed in 2000, allowing eligible individuals to receive treatment instead of jail time. As a result of this act, the number of individuals incarcerated for drug offenses decreased by 24%. Similarly, in Oregon, Measure 110 was passed in 2020, which reduces drug possession to a misdemeanor and redirects funds to treatment and recovery services. This act is expected to save taxpayers $44 million a year.
Conclusion
The Treatment Not Jail Act is a positive step towards addressing the opioid epidemic and other substance use disorders. By diverting eligible individuals to treatment instead of incarceration, they have access to evidence-based treatment that can help them achieve and maintain recovery. Furthermore, this approach reduces the number of individuals in jail with substance use disorders, which can ultimately save taxpayers money. Overall, the Treatment Not Jail Act is an important way to support individuals with substance use disorders and to create safer, healthier communities.
