Howell testifies in support of Indiana legislative bill

On Jan. 26, Rite of Passage Executive Director Lawrence Howell, a 2010 candidate for the Douglas County Commission, testified before the Indiana State legislature-judicial committee.

The bipartisan committee listened to testimony of House Bill 1167 which seeks to reverse a 2008 law that limits Indiana judges' opportunity to send youth out of state to youth programs operated by companies such as Minden-based Rite of Passage.

Howell testified that the programs operated by Rite of Passage currently provide a level of service not offered in Indiana's continuum of care. He further explained the cost for such services was equal to or less than that of current in-state programs.

"We at Rite of Passage are not opposed to or against Indiana youth programs, but believe youth should be given an opportunity to attend the program that best fits their treatment needs," Howell said. "A good program should involve the family, should be cost effective, and must have a proven success rate. Rite of Passage's program is evidence based, is cost effective, and independent studies have determined success rates between 78 percent and 83 percent."

After much discussion, the committee voted 9-2 in favor of the bill.