NCJ Number
112778
Date Published
1988
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Based on a study by the Employment and Housing Subcommittee and hearings held in March 1988, this report states that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has failed to take a leadership role in combating the drug crisis in public housing and instead has shifted the onus to local agencies.
Abstract
The report begins with an overview of the Comprehensive Improvement Assistance Program (CIAP), the only source of HUD funding available to public housing agencies for drug abuse prevention. Findings with regard to HUD's role are highlighted, notably its failure to act to protect a substantial investment in public housing stock or to fund local anti-drug programs. Corrective recommendations call on HUD to assume a leadership role by establishing a information clearinghouse on substance abuse in public housing and a regional training program. The report also suggests making more Federal funds available to local housing agencies through CIAP and other means. Additional criticisms of current HUD policies conclude the discussion. The report cautions that vigilante groups patrolling public housing groups are one side-effect of HUD's failure to act.