LETTERS: FAITH-BASED PROGRAMS NEED FUNDING

To the editor:

I read with interest Jack Stapleton's March 1 column. I certainly agree that treatment for drug and alcohol addiction is preferable to incarceration, providing that the desire for recovery is genuine. There was, however, a solution to this problem that was ignored.

Studies have consistently shown that faith-based programs have higher success rates that either state-run or private facilities. Yet these facilities are often ignored as a solution to the problem due to their religious nature. The charitable-choice provision of the Welfare Reform Bill provides block grants to the states with the expressed option of using faith-based programs for drug and alcohol treatment as well as other social problems. It is my understanding that the state could fund these programs if those needing treatment were willing to participate in them. I believe many would be.

The issue that always arises is separation of church and state. The historic and constitutional validity of that doctrine is for another discussion. The question we face now: Are we so afraid that an individual may be affected by a religious program that we are willing to allow our sons and daughters to die or have their lives ruined instead of being exposed to godly principles? Faith-based program such as Teen Challenge, which are doing an effective job at costs that are a fraction of other programs, can be a big part of the solution to the drug epidemic. If Missouri is serious about dealing with the drug problem and reducing the prison population, it should consider helping these faith-based programs financially. That may make some uncomfortable, feeling that we would be forcing religion on people. But if the alternatives are a lifetime of addiction, incarceration or death, what is the risk if we continue with the status quo?

JACK SMART, Executive Director

Teen Challenge International of Mid-America

Cape Girardeau