WOMEN’S COUNCIL

Is Legal Always Ethical: Drug Policy and Social Work

 By Marilyn Montenegro

Did you know?

• Local law enforcement receives increased funding for increased arrests for drug offenses (e.g., possession for use).
• There is no additional funding for arrests for rape, domestic violence or aggravated assault.
• Often the mandated minimum sentence for drug use, sale or manufacture is longer than that for murder.
• When states contract with private prisons they frequently agree to a per diem rate per prisoner and a minimum occupancy rate of at least 90 percent.
• More than 90 percent of defendants accept a plea bargain (and a shorter sentence) rather go to trial and the threat of a significantly longer sentence if found guilty.

These and other structural incentives often enmesh our clients into systems in which they become commodities fueling the growth of the criminal justice complex (law enforcement, courts, jails and prisons, parole and probation). Once entangled our clients acquire a “criminal history” that can be used to deny public benefits including CalWorks, food stamps and low cost housing as well as employment. What is the ethical social work response?

The 2014 Law and Ethics Women’s Council Workshop, “Is Legal Always Ethical: Drug Policy and Social Work” will examine the impact of policy on the lives of individuals who become ensnared by the War on Drugs.

Join the Council on Thursday, February 27, 2014 at The Center for Healthy Communities, The California Endowment, 1000 N. Alameda, Los Angeles, CA 90012 for this Law and Ethics Workshop offering 6 CEUs (provider #4713) and lunch for $45.

For more information, contact (800) 538-2565, ext. 57 or bwiewel@lacada.com

To register, send checks for $45 payable to “Women’s Council” to Brenda Wiewel, Chair, 3902 Denwood Ave., Los Alamitos, CA 90720.