Those in the substance-abuse service community will again lobby for the Drug Offender Reform Act in the 2005 Legislature. The measure, which would expand treatment services and drug courts, didn't pass last session largely due to its $16.6 million price tag over three years.

The bill proposes to create 2,069 prison treatment slots, 2,632 public treatment slots and 250 drug court slots over three years.

The plan doesn't address meth abuse specifically, but many users who currently don't have the opportunity for treatment would get it.

Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff said the proposal has been a tough sell with the Legislature. But it's "far cheaper" to put money into treatment than building more prison space, he said. He intends to be among those pushing for the bill.

"The bottom line is, it makes more sense fiscally," Shurtleff said.

Drug abuse services providers see it this way:

Incarceration and foster care costs for a woman with two children approach $100,000 a year.

Damage to the family and society? Beyond cost.

Family treatment for a woman with two children runs about $15,000 a year.

Benefit to the family and society? Beyond measure.

"Treatment does work," said Fleming, noting every $1 spent saves $6 in theft and victim losses, court costs and public assistance.

"The best prevention is treatment for mom and dad."

Rescuing families

Special consideration might have to be given for single mothers whose marginal vocational skills make it difficult to provide for their children.

"Especially important is funding for individuals, primarily, women, who have limited time for regaining custody of children and may have to wait for a treatment bed or slot," Rich said.

Having to wait two months for treatment puts parents behind from the outset. It hinders their ability to get clean because they're likely hanging with their dope-using friends while in limbo. Furthermore, it hinders their chances to be reunited with their children placed in state custody. The clock starts ticking as soon as the state takes them away.

Mothers have about 15 months to get cleaned up or at least be making substantial progress to get them back. Williams and others say that isn't enough time because meth recovery takes anywhere from 12 to 24 months.

"Child welfare guidelines do not mesh with drug rehabilitation," said Tracy Mills, guardian ad litem.

Casey Christopherson, coordinator of the 4th District Family Drug Court, said it is possible for parents to be reunited with children in the state-imposed time frame but notes there are drawbacks.