The chairman of a Legislative interim committee looking at the issue of behavioral health treatment says recent findings by the Council of State Governments concerning the amount of incarcerations in North Dakota will lead to a lot of discussion during the 2017 session about treatment alternatives.
The CSG report shows the number of felonies more than doubled between 2011 and 2014. And the number of drug sentences was up by 2 ½ times.
"The data was stunning," said Rep. Kathy Hogan (D-Fargo), chairman of the interim Human Services Committee. "The data was really appalling."
Hogan says some judges are sending drug offenders to prison – because there is no other treatment option.
Hogan’s interim committee is looking at the issue of behavioral health – and having drug and alcohol treatment more readily accessible in a community setting.
"It's going to cost us," Hogan said. "And the question is -- are we going to provide it in the least restrictive environment, or are we going to provide it in our jails?"
Hogan says some of the best serves are provided by the state Corrections Department. And she commends them for that.
"But we need alternatives, so we don't have to incarcerate people," Hogan said.
Hogan predicts there will be a lot of discussion about this in the 2017 session. She says the recent growth in opiate abuse make it an even more urgent situation.
"We're going to spend money," Hogan said. "Are we using the best way to address it?"
