The fight against crime can be dealt with and has been dealt with in many ways. One of the most prompted ways of fighting crime is the reduction and fight against drug abuse and substance abuse. The psychologists state that, when a person is under the influence of drugs chances of engaging in crime are usually high (Peet, 2004). As a political science student I carried out an interview with a catholic catechist who takes part in the interfaith drug policy initiative on the take of the organization on crime. The following are excerpts from the interview.
The purpose of the organization is to reduce the stigmatization of drug addicts and embracing them as part of the society, show them love so that they can accept rehabilitation.
What are the general services that the organization provides?
How does this program specifically help residents of the community?
Interfaith drug policy initiative particularly helps the community in two ways. One; and as mentioned earlier we reduce the stigma on the drug addicts thereby helping there interaction with the community. Whereas they are seen as criminals the community embraces them and thus ready to help them (Peet, 2004). Secondly, the initiative gives the orientation on faith to the persons who accept to be rehabilitated.
Since the initiative is funded by different religions, the persons handling particular case gives the rehabilitated person a time to choose which religion to be initiated into. Religion helps in nurturing citizens to be responsible.
How do individuals access these services?
The interfaith drug policy initiative holds forums and seminars educating members of community on how to access our services. Also we have set up workstations across the states in America which help in the follow up on cases that we have as well as indentifying persons who need our services (Peet, 2004).
What is the cost of the services?
The initiative does not charge for services as it is fully funded by different faith groups.
Who pays for the services?
The services are paid by the initiative. When we have any case, we transfer the costs from the reserves to the expenditure for reporting purposes (Catholic Health Association of the United States, 2009).
What resources are available for those who cannot pay for the service?
All our services are available to all since no costs are incurred.
In general, what are the sources of funding for the organization?
As mentioned, we have many religions and faith groups that fund us being dram mainly fro the Christian and Muslim community
If these services did not exist, what do you think would happen to the clients in need of the services?
Well, the government and in fact governments across the globe have initiatives that deal with drugs though on a different front. We acknowledge that fight against crime though fight against drug abuse could still continue but we believe that this method is the best.
What happens to the resident/client as a result of the program?
At the end of the program, the client is absorbed back to the community. The initiative ensures that the person becomes actively involved in all community building activities. Where possible the client is involved in income generating activity.
Conclusion
The interview was an eye opener to me as I had previously held the opinion that restriction of drug abuse was the only way to fight drug abuse. However, the initiative acc0ording to the information given to me proved my standing wrong (Catholic Health Association of the United States, 2009). The interview did not counter any challenge save for the time limitation with the catechist who had a busy schedule.
References
Peet, P., (2004). Under the influence: the disinformation guide to drugs. New York:
Disinformation Company
Catholic Health Association of the United States, (2009). Health progress. New York: Abe
Books
