TASC, ACLU, and other random letters.
As many remember, Birmingham made major cuts to its budget from 2010. Everyone felt them to some degree, but few as great at the UAB TASC program. The committee chose to cut 75% of their contributions to the TASC Programs. The TASC programs cover, among others, the Drug Courts, mental health courts, pre trial services, and Post Prison programs. Since then, all the programs have been severely trimmed down or cut out all together. Case workers and employees that are still there are being spread thin between down town, Homewood, and Bessemer Offices, between programs, and across many clients. Three years ago, someone who was arrested for drug possession would be directed to Beacon parkway to see a case manager, start treatment, and establish a drug testing routine. The case manager could refer the individual for specific treatments, to see doctors, encourage better habits, and help the client apply for government programs. If the individual needed further aid either outside the scope of the TASC program or longer than their probation, the case manager could help the individual find a program in the community.
Today? TASC has been a standard in Birmingham for years now. After arrests, people are still showing up at the various offices to report. When they are told that they don’t need to report or don’t need to see a case manager, many are responding “But I need a case manager. I need help.” And its true. They do. Without observation and support, many of these individuals are not reporting for court or committing crimes again.
The result? In the last two weeks, the Birmingham News published an article about Jefferson counties jail over crowding. Even with TASC, there was some problems with overcrowding. But, with monitoring, the various programs could help criminals be released to treatment programs. Now, there is no release. Pretrial services are still somewhat in action, but how long and well will that last as criminals who would have normally been served by TASC commit new crimes?
It’s a formula for disaster. These special services diversion programs have been shown to be very successful and save the community a great deal of money. Removing it from our system now will send the city into “detox”. TASC isn’t even gone and the city is already feeling overcrowding and recidivism.
Coincidentally, I read an article in Newsweek that Tanner had been wanting me to read. In New York, they have started a similar program for Veterans who committed non-violent felonies and misdemeanors. In the three years it has been going, it has about a 90% completion rates and a 0% recidivism. Amazing. Since 2008, about 20 other programs for Veterans have been established. But there were two critiques in the article. The first was that the program should be applied to violent crimes too. I think the people who suggested that are NOT field case managers. Its one thing to work with a person who may or may not hurt someone. BUT, its entirely different when its show that they WILL and HAVE. Perhaps working with these people in a controlled setting would be good, but its a very difficult slope there. Secondly, the ACLU is questioning these programs. They state that these Special services programs make some criminals 'second class.' So, in other words, either everyone gets these second chance programs, or no one? But that kinda defeats the purpose and idea. The idea is that these individuals in these programs, not just Veterans, but people with a mental illness or addiction, may commit crimes for internal reasons. And, if given proper treatment and support, will discontinue criminal activity. Those who are outside these groups are of clear thought in their actions and committed the crime knowingly. Why give someone a second chance when they are clear of thought and know right from wrong? It doesn't add up. Ugh, people. UCLA should know better. If anything, they need to promote these programs and to expand them to cover more people.... And support existing programs that are about to go under and take part of the system with it.
On a good note: We may have a payee program to replace the one that’s being cut. Phew. But we’re hoping there won’t be a gap between one program letting go and the other picking up.
And I just got out of covering case conference. Woot. Had a good break for five days, but its over. Sad. Now for painting tonight while Tanner is at rehearsal.
Meaningful Phrase: "I was By Myself once." -Jason