Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, October 18, 1993                   TAG: 9310280347
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: BEVERLY ABLE
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SERVICES FOR INMATES ARE A MUST

However, if we want to rehabilitate them, we have to provide services for them. Just locking up those who break the law is only half the solution.

Services, such as reading classes, Alcoholics Anonymous, drug counseling and job training, are among those that seem to be indispensable.

State prisons and local jails should provide reading classes for their inmates. If an inmate is released and still cannot read, what job or what contributions to society do we actually think the inmate will get or do?

Counseling services, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and drug counseling, are already in prisons and jails. However, the waiting lists for these programs are long. And even if the inmate gets to see a counselor, it's typically only once a week and just for a short time. This just doesn't cut it.

If an inmate wants and asks for help for a problem that he or she has, we should give the help to them.

Job training is also a must. We need to teach or improve inmates' skills if we want them to return to society as better persons.

And once released, there should be a place for ex-inmates to stay for at least a month, on the condition that they are looking for a job. I also believe that the state or local authorities should help ex-inmates find jobs or have a list of places that will hire people out of prison.

We cannot keep fooling ourselves into believing that just locking up people solves the problems of our society.

We also cannot believe that we will change everyone who goes to jail or prison, but we may be able to help some.

The only sure way to stop violence and crime in our society is to start taking care of the children while they are still young. We need to show them love and attention, and let each child know that he or she is very special and important.

Beverly Able of Roanoke is a graduate of Virginia Western Community College with an associate of science degree in administration of justice.