Petition for Reforming Substance Abuse Treatment Requirements for Parolees

My name is Jason Alsteens, and I’m petitioning for urgent changes to substance abuse treatment requirements for individuals on parole.

I’ve been on parole for a little over a year. During this time, I’ve held both a full-time job and a part-time job—working hard, staying focused, and doing everything I can to rebuild my life. Every time I’m required to take a urinalysis test, the results come back negative for hard drugs. I’ve proven my commitment to sobriety and stability.

While incarcerated, I successfully completed Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) and substance abuse treatment programs. I earned certificates for both. The parole board recommended these programs before my release, and I followed through. Yet despite fulfilling these recommendations, I—and many others—are still required to take additional classes after release.

This needs to change.

Treatment programs are important, but they should be based on need—not blanket requirements. Forcing someone to repeat treatment they’ve already completed, especially when they consistently test clean, is not rehabilitation—it’s a barrier. These programs don’t pay rent, cover bills, or put food on the table. They take time away from work, family, and the responsibilities that help us stay on track.

I believe substance abuse treatment should only be mandated if a person gives a dirty urinalysis. Otherwise, it should be optional or based on individual assessment—not automatic.

Let’s make parole a path to progress, not a cycle of redundancy. I urge policymakers, parole boards, and community leaders to support this change and help build a system that respects effort, supports independence, and focuses resources where they’re truly needed.

Please sign and share this petition to support fair and effective parole reform.