MI- Fouts is angry about ex-cons moving into Warren

7-13-2009 Michigan:

Mayor wants rehab centers to be required to give notice of plans

Outraged that men with mental illnesses, drug addictions and criminal histories are moving into a rehabilitation center in Warren without it notifying the city, Mayor Jim Fouts is urging state lawmakers to require centers housing ex-cons to alert the community before opening.

The Self Help Addiction Rehabilitation (SHAR) Macomb center, on Chicago road, expects to move in up to 180 men about a half-mile from residential neighborhoods over the next six months. The first five residents, all sex offenders, moved in June 26.

"They are using Warren as a dumping ground for sex offenders and drug addicts without our knowledge," Fouts said. "If you move a bunch of sex offenders and pedophiles into our community, we have a right to know that and to hold a public hearing to express our opinions."

State law does not require nonprofits, entrepreneurs or the Department of Corrections to notify communities of a new rehab center for ex-cons, drug addicts or sex offenders. The nonprofit center, which replaced the former Children's Home of Detroit, is designed to treat people with substance abuse, mental health and behavioral problems.

SHAR Macomb officials defended the new center, saying it's in an isolated area and focuses on intensive treatment that reduces recidivism. Residents aren't allowed to leave the center until they show significant progress, said Dwight Vaughter, SHAR's chief executive.

"We are addressing the root cause of behavioral problems, and those are substance abuse and mental health issues," he said.

Cathy Brennan, who lives about a half-mile from the center, said she sympathizes with the need to rehabilitate addicts, but emphasized that homeowners who live nearby should be notified.

"You can't protect yourself or your family if you don't know about these people" living at the center, Brennan said. "It's just common decency to let us know."

Vaughter countered that SHAR residents "are entitled to confidentiality and privacy." ..Source.. by STEVE NEAVLING • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER