CHAPTER 123
H.P. 466 - L.D. 629
Resolve, to Create a Seamless Treatment Plan for the Juvenile Offender with Substance Abuse Problems
Emergency preamble. Whereas, Acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, substance abuse is a serious problem that affects many juveniles who become part of the population of the Department of Corrections; and
Whereas, substance abuse treatment is a critical component of the rehabilitative mission of juvenile corrections; and
Whereas, creating and implementing a comprehensive substance abuse treatment plan as soon as possible is in the best interest of the juveniles, as well as the public; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it
Sec. 1. Comprehensive substance abuse treatment program for juvenile offenders. Resolved: That the Department of Corrections and the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services, Office of Substance Abuse shall continue to develop a comprehensive substance abuse treatment program for juveniles committed to the Department of Corrections' custody. The program must include:
1. Screening, assessment and treatment for all juveniles committed to a juvenile correctional facility;
2. Four regional treatment networks;
3. A targeted capacity expansion program; and
4. Five juvenile drug treatment courts.
The program also must facilitate participation of the juvenile and the juvenile's family and provide a system to monitor treatment progress and completion; and be it further
Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That the Department of Corrections and the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services, Office of Substance Abuse shall present a proposal to implement and fund the comprehensive substance abuse treatment program to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over juvenile justice issues by December 6, 2000.
The proposal must also include a plan for annual reporting to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over juvenile justice issues on the progress in implementing and providing substance abuse treatment programs.
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this resolve takes effect when approved.
Effective May 8, 2000.
| Revisor of Statutes Homepage | Subject Index | Search | Laws of Maine | Maine Legislature |
