AK DOC’s New Approach To Recidivism
Alcoholism and substance abuse addictions have become plagues in Alaska. Repeat offenders hurt others in the community, with little hope of breaking the cycle.
This year, lawmakers gave Corrections about $800,000 for new inmate rehabilitation programs. It’s an area that was practically nonexistent in prior administrations, according to the DOC. “It’s a pretty exciting time for the Department of Corrections,” said Bryan Brandenburg, the department’s deputy director. “We’re going to have Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 treatment programs.” The goal is to help inmates transition back into society with a 90-day treatment program that gets to the root of the cause … “We don’t want to necessarily carry these people, but what we want to do is set up a system that provides them with the tools and the skills necessary so that they can make better choices,” Brandenburg said.
“Until we start dealing with that substance abuse problem, we will see people back on the streets and recidivating,” said Marny Rivera, a professor at the University of Alaska Anchorage Justice Center. “The pattern has to be stopped,” said Jim Morgan, outpatient manager for Akeela, a nonprofit organization that helps with drug and alcohol rehab. “One of the ways that it’s stopped is by actually going through treatment.” But the state’s current trends don’t favor that. Alaska has one of the highest percentages in the country for people not getting the substance abuse treatment needed. “When people are released from jail they don’t have the funds. This provides the wherewithal where they can attend treatments,” Morgan said.
Still, there are questions about whether the program is enough, or if it will really bring down crime. “Ninety days is a good crack at it,” Morgan said.
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