Under the heading of prevention, the bill will help fund after-school and community programs aimed at educating youngsters about drugs so that they are better able to avoid addiction in the first place. The legislation will also authorize funding for treatment programs within the prison system, drug treatment programs for juveniles, and residential treatment centers for mothers addicted to heroin or other drugs. According to a study launched by CASA, former inmates are much less likely to become repeat offenders if they have access to drug treatment services after release from prison. The CASA study concludes that a drug addict commits about 100 crimes a year. With new treatment programs in place throughout U.S. prisons, CASA predicts that there could be roughly 1,000,000 fewer crimes per year for every 10,000 inmates who are released.
Law enforcement plays a significant role in the new legislation as well.
The bill directs the U.S. sentencing commission to review current penalties for drug crimes and to increase the penalties for crimes that involve distributing drugs to minors, using minors to distribute drugs, trafficking near schools, and using federal property to grow and manufacture controlled substances. Representatives from several organizations appeared at the press conference to lend their support to the bill, including officials from CASA, the Washington Metropolitan Police Department, the Boys and Girls Club of America, and the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. This site is produced and maintained by the U.S. Department of State. Links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein.