San Francisco Drug Treatment Program Faces Challenges Amid Proposed Law Changes
San Francisco is currently examining a proposed law that aims to change how drug crimes are handled in the state. This comes at a time when the Salvation Army’s Harbor Light program, dedicated to assisting individuals struggling with addiction, faces potential funding cuts.
Struggles with Addiction
During a class at the Harbor Light program on October 16, teacher Andrew Couttie spoke to clients like Damien Alatorre. Alatorre shared that he began using drugs at the young age of 9. His addiction led to numerous legal problems, including stints in juvenile detention and jail, starting from when he was 17. “I just need to get out of the situation that I’m in,” he expressed, emphasizing his desire for change.
After being released from jail last month, Alatorre celebrated his 26th birthday, marking the first time in seven years he could enjoy the day as a free man. Now enrolled in the Harbor Light program, he is hopeful about his future.
Proposed Law Could Reshape Drug Crime Handling
On the upcoming ballot in California, Proposition 36 seeks to roll back certain parts of Proposition 47, which, approved in 2014, had aimed to reduce the criminalization of low-level drug offenses and thefts under $950. Critics argue that the earlier law encouraged thefts, as individuals believed there would be no consequences for their actions.
The new proposition plans to eliminate the $950 threshold for repeated thefts, meaning anyone caught stealing three times could face felony charges, regardless of the stolen item’s value. This would also apply to drug possession charges. Additionally, it would introduce a new type of charge called a “treatment-mandated felony,” designed to direct individuals to rehabilitation programs instead of jail.
Concerns for Treatment Programs
Even though Prop 36 could potentially increase the number of people entering treatment programs, there are significant concerns regarding funding. Adrian Maldonado, who oversees the Harbor Light program, raised alarms about the potential cuts in funding from Proposition 47 and questioned, “What’s going to happen when more people are mandated from the court to go to treatment, but the court has no money to fund it?”
Currently, Harbor Light has about 20 treatment beds funded by Proposition 47, but analysts predict that if Proposition 36 becomes law, it could divert tens of millions of dollars away from these vital programs. Right now, around 40% of Harbor Light’s funding comes from the Salvation Army.
Voices of Support and Opposition
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is a strong supporter of Proposition 36 and emphasizes the need for more people to have access to residential drug and mental health treatment. Mahan points to increasing drug-related problems in the state, stating that the previous measures did not sufficiently address the issues. “We need an intervention that holds people accountable for treatment,” he said.
Challenges Within Drug Courts
Despite the push for drug treatment, there is still a shortage of resources. Superior Court Judge Michael Begert indicated that the available treatment slots in San Francisco are not adequate for the number of people who need them. “The whole process just leaves people in jail for a long time, which costs a lot of money and isn’t good for their recovery,” he added.
Individuals like Robert Bell, currently in the Harbor Light program, shared their personal challenges. Bell, who has struggled with addiction for years, indicated that waiting to get into treatment can lead to hopelessness, stating, “I was kind of giving up on life.” Fortunately, he is now in the program and is determined to stay sober.
The Need for Immediate Solutions
The growing consensus amongst many is that more immediate action is necessary. Even participants like Spencer Hughes, who recently faced robbery and shoplifting charges, believe that the core issue revolves around adequate mental health treatment. “Getting people into treatment facilities and programs and housing is a good thing,” he stated, “But the way they’re going about it… I don’t agree with that part.”
As Proposition 36 approaches its vote, individuals at the Harbor Light program, such as Alatorre, express their hopes for the future while being aware of the challenges ahead. “I just don’t know if I can stay sober,” he admitted, highlighting the struggles many face in breaking the cycle of addiction.
