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Long and Winding Road to Desistance From Crime for Drug-Involved Offenders: The Long-Term Influence of TC Treatment on Re-Arrest

NCJ Number
236485
Journal
Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 41 Issue: 2 Dated: Spring 2011 Pages: 179-196
Date Published
2011
Length
18 pages
Annotation

This paper examines the effects of TC treatment on the long-term success of offenders, up to 18 years after release from prison.

Abstract

Earlier research by Inciardi and colleagues established the long-term positive effects of a therapeutic community (TC) continuum of treatment for drug-involved offenders. Using data from his original longitudinal study and archival records of criminal justice re-arrest and recidivism, this paper extends these analyses to examine the effects of TC treatment on the long-term success of offenders, up to 18 years after release from prison. Multivariate trajectory analysis is used to examine patterns of re-arrest and desistance among a sample of 1,363 clients followed up in person for 5 years and subsequently with record checks through state and NCIC criminal justice systems. Results indicate significant reductions in new arrests for those who received TC treatment in each of the five trajectories modeled for patterns of persistence and desistance. Discussion centers on the strengths of the relationships in each modeled trajectory and the implications for long-term understanding of drug offenders and criminal behavior. (Published Abstract)

Date Published: January 1, 2011