Colorado sex offenders stuck in prison due to lack of funds

4-30-2013 Colorado:

An audit of Colorado’s Sex Offender Treatment and Monitoring Program found that only one-sixth of those incarcerated for sex crimes are receiving the treatment required for their eventual release, leading some lawmakers to consider changing the system to allow for outpatient therapy rather than leaving them locked up indefinitely.

More than 1,000 inmates have already passed their parole eligibility dates, but can’t be considered for release without mandated treatment. Keeping them locked up is costing Colorado taxpayers as much as $30 million per year, according to the Denver Post, which first reported on the findings.

The audit also found that what treatment was available left a lot to be desired, described by the report as a “one-size fits all approach” given to both low-level and dangerous offenders. ..continued.. by Greg Campbell