August 2007 | To The Editor

Illustration: Justin Freet

More Funding Needed for Illinois’ Rehabilitation Programs

I want to thank you for the article In search of restorative justice, (May 2007). You see, I am an inmate here at Big Muddy River Correctional Center. I am one of the most luckiest men in this prison because I am in the voluntary sex offender treatment program. Of the approximately 1800-plus men here, only about five percent are able to be in this intensive, 24-hour a day treatment. Why? No funding. Period, end. The dually elected officials of the state of Illinois choose to not use the resources available to the best possible advantage. We have here professionals who are truly dedicated to the rehabilitation of rapists and child molestors. This is a program that works. Yet without sufficient funding, far too few offenders receive this lifestyle changing therapy.

Our counselors, therapists and corrections officers are dedicated. The inmates are motivated to change. Only the politicians are lackluster. The people of Illinoise need to know that they are more safe by investing in treatment than in warehousing offenders.

Thank you for helping get the word out. I was, but no longer am, a serial rapist.

— T. Johnson, K83846

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