SHATTERED LIVES: OUR PRISONS ARE FULL OF THEM; WHAT TO DO?

It's difficult to determine how much substance abuse, domestic violence and untreated mental illnesses cost the state.  There are broken lives, shattered children and a prison system packed with offenders who may need treatment as much as imprisonment.  A panel appointed by Gov.  Brad Henry and Attorney General Drew Edmondson is exploring these issues and trying to paint a comprehensive and unprecedented picture of what they cost Oklahoma in the public and private sectors.  Then, the task force will recommend how we as a state can do better.

If the preliminary report is any indication, the final report should spur serious discussion and action.  Two University of Oklahoma researchers estimated about $1 billion of the $1.6 billion a year spent on criminal justice is associated with mental illness, substance abuse and domestic violence.

The initial report examines only issues from a criminal-justice cost perspective.  But it certainly supports the need to continue exploring alternative sentencing, like mental health and drug courts, to help ease an overburdened corrections system.

In their report, the researchers wrote: "The bottom line is that Oklahomans will expend more than one billion dollars pursuing, arresting, trying and incarcerating individuals who recklessly pursue the immediate gratification of drug use or alcohol abuse; have mental and behavioral problems that may or may not be 'fixable'; and/or have aberrant behavior patterns and twisted values that lead to the physical, mental and emotional abuse of those closest to them.

"It is far too easy and glib to say, 'Let's have a prevention program.'" They're right.  There's no easy solution.  Ideally, new and creative approaches would not only save money but also curb the devastating, emotional price tag for Oklahomans dealing with mentally ill family members, or those with drug and violence problems.

The task force's challenge is mammoth, but certainly important and worthwhile.