Overview of Proposition 36

On November 7, 2000, California voters passed Proposition 36, the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act of 2000 (Act). The Act makes substantial changes to both the criminal justice system and the substance abuse treatment service system. The Act mandates that any person convicted of a nonviolent drug possession offense, and any parolee who is determined by the Parole Authority to have committed a nonviolent drug possession offense, or violated any other drug-related condition of parole, will be diverted from incarceration into licensed or certified community-based drug treatment programs.

In a historic act, citizens across this State enacted a bold initiative that affirms the time tested finding that treatment works. With the enactment of Proposition 36, Ventura County, as the rest of the State will have the opportunity to provide life-changing treatment services that lead to increased public health and safety for all.

The success of the initiative hinges on how effectively treatment services can be provided to meet the needs of individuals seeking treatment. Just as critical is the important role that the criminal justice system, community treatment professionals, program officials and community organizations work together. It is estimated that as many as 3,500 individuals could be eligible for treatment services under this initiative on an annual basis. Efforts to make treatment services available in every community throughout Ventura County will be an important priority.

Acting as the County's designated lead agency, the Behavioral Health Department Alcohol and Drug Programs will draw on its long history and experience of working effectively with communities, agencies and professionals to ensure successful implementation of Proposition 36 services in Ventura County. To accomplish this, ADP will utilize a service delivery model encompassing both public and private sector treatment resources, a comprehensive continuum of treatment services will be provided. The continuum of care will reflect both time tested treatment strategies, as well as, innovative treatment paradigms.

Individuals found eligible for Proposition 36 will be placed in various levels of care, that ranges from 6 months of program involvement to 18 months in duration. The level of care and severity of an individual's drug and alcohol is determined by a comprehensive assessment process. All persons are required to submit to random drug testing throughout their involvement in treatment. Referrals for additional support services, such as: vocational services, literacy training, medical services, family counseling, etc., are also offered.