LARNED, Kan. (AP) — Carlos Lively says he may be confined by the state of Kansas for the rest of his life although he completed a prison sentence for a sex offense nine years ago.

The 30-year-old is one of 258 patients committed indefinitely to an expanding treatment program that the state of Kansas says keeps the public safe from violent sexual predators who would otherwise go free after serving jail time.

Only three patients have been released from the program since its inception in 1994, while 27 have died. A state audit report released in April found its costs were soaring as it adds 10 to 15 patients per year, increasing concerns that some offenders who could be released are being held in the expensive program due to flaws in its treatment regimen.