Extends adolescent school-based substance abuse treatment programs to middle and intermediate schools, giving priority to schools with the greatest need. Makes appropriation. (SD2)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The use of alcohol and other drugs by our youth can impede social and intellectual development and can lead individuals to engage in dangerous activities, such as reckless driving, premature and unprotected sex, and violence. Substance abuse treatment for students helps stop their use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs, reduces criminal behavior, increases school attendance, allows them to remain in school until graduation, and increases the likelihood of their becoming healthy, productive, contributing adults.

Part of the core continuum of care needed for adolescents is early identification followed by early treatment. School-based treatment is an effective way to intervene in a timely manner and succeed in avoiding more costly treatment, avoiding school dropouts, and producing functional adults.

Adolescent school-based substance abuse treatment programs provide services on a scheduled basis on school campuses for adolescents with substance abuse problems. Professionally directed evaluation, treatment, case management, and recovery services are provided to clients with less problematic substance abuse-related behavior than would be found in a residential or day treatment program. Services are available year-round, during the school year, and through the summer months. School-based programs also provide outreach to students through classroom presentations, networking with teachers and other school personnel, and other appropriate methods.

Adolescent school-based substance abuse treatment programs provide: outpatient school-based treatment for a maximum of one hundred ninety-two hours per client, per year, consisting of face-to-face individual sessions including screening, assessment, treatment planning, and counseling; and group sessions including process, education, skill building, and recreation groups; and family counseling.

Agencies presently contracted by the department of health's alcohol and drug abuse division, to provide adolescent school-based substance abuse treatment services are as follows: Hina Mauka on Kauai and Oahu; the Young Men's Christian Association on Oahu; Aloha House, Inc. and Ohana Makamae, Inc. on Maui; Hale Ho`okupa`a on Molokai; and the Big Island Substance Abuse Council on the Big Island.

While the department of health provides services that address student alcohol and other drug abuse, programs are not available in all secondary schools. Current resources available for these services provide for programs in all high schools, but not all of the middle and intermediate schools.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to extend adolescent school-based substance abuse treatment programs to middle and intermediate schools, with a priority given to schools with the greatest need.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $         , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, for adolescent school-based substance abuse treatment programs in middle and intermediate schools, with a priority given to establishing programs in schools with the greatest need.

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.