Ragan Report

Iowa is tough and smart on crime
     In tight budget times, it is more important than ever that we be smart on crime. There are some excellent ways to reduce the number of repeat offenders, keep people out of prison and save taxpayer dollars. Family treatment courts, a better approach to sentencing and helping offenders re-enter society can help.
     Family Treatment Courts are an alternative for parents with substance use problems who haven’t properly cared for their children. These courts offer help from a team of professionals, access to treatment and frequent drug testing.
     A recent study shows nearly 1,000 parents and more than 1,600 children have benefitted from Iowa’s Family Treatment Courts since 2007. There are now family treatment courts in every Iowa judicial district, an initiative that has saved the state more than $12 million.
     Parents in the Family Treatment Court program are more likely to enter and complete treatment than those who don’t participate. Among the children:
• 76 percent are able to remain in the custody of their parent or caregiver
• 77 percent return home within 12 months
• 96 percent suffer no further maltreatment
     Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Cady says Family Treatment Courts are helping to end the tragic cycle of broken families and broken lives due to substance abuse.
     Sen. Amanda Ragan (D-Mason City) serves Franklin, Butler and Cerro Gordo counties in Senate District 27. She can be reached at (515) 281-3371 or (641) 424-0874. Email her at amanda.ragan@legis.iowa.gov.